Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking citalopram as follows:
- Citalopram use can also induce extreme dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations and hydration measures can help with relief from constipation. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing constipation with citalopram. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use.
- Citalopram intake carries the risk of lowering the blood pressure. Hypotension, secondary to citalopram intake, can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness. Avoid sudden changes in position, until you are used to the side-effects of citalopram intake. Sudden change of positions can make the confusion and dizzy episodes even worse and precipitate accidents and falls. Report any episodes of increased dizziness, syncope, and loss of consciousness while taking citalopram. Discuss with your physician regarding all your medications and their risk of aggravating hypotension caused by citalopram.
- Citalopram carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating cardiac arrhythmias. Citalopram can also interact with many antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications, resulting in development or aggravation of underlying cardiac arrhythmias, leading to debility and sudden cardiac death. Avoid taking citalopram along with medications belonging to the above-mentioned groups, to prevent any dangerous arrhythmias from developing. Discuss with your physician regarding your history of cardiac arrhythmias, if any, if you are newly started on citalopram. If you are newly diagnosed with any cardiac arrhythmias discuss with your physician regarding your safety with continuing on citalopram, if you have been using the medication for long.
