Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Citalopram as follows:
- Citalopram carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating cardiac arrhythmias. Individuals with cardiac arrhythmias can present with episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath, and can lead to severe debility and death. Citalopram is contraindicated or cautiously administered in individuals with history of cardiac arrhythmias.
- Citalopram can also interact with many antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics, other 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.
- Citalopram intake carries the risk of causing seizures, especially in individuals with history of seizures. Individuals can present with sudden episodes of loss of consciousness, intense convulsions with muscle contractions, bowel and bladder incontinence. Citalopram is contraindicated or cautiously administered in individuals with history of seizures.
- Citalopram intake can thin the blood and increase risk for bleeding in the skin and mucus membranes. This risk is further more in individuals concurrently taking blood thinners and anticoagulants, such as, aspirin, warfarin, Xarelto, and Eliquis. Some other antidepressants and antipsychotic medications also contribute to thinning of blood and episodes of bleeding. Administration of citalopram along with these medications can also precipitate dangerous bleeding episodes. Check with your physician on the safety with citalopram use and the possibility for interaction with other medications on your list.
