Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking citalopram as follows: Citalopram use can sometimes increase the risk for deterioration and worsening of clinical symptoms of mood disorders. Continue taking citalopram, as recommended, even if your mood feels better. Discontinuing the medication abruptly, without your physician’s recommendation, can result in disruption of chemical balance in the brain, resulting in worsening of mood disorder and severe withdrawal symptoms.  During withdrawal, individuals can present with [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking citalopram as follows: Individuals with complaint of dehydration, secondary to history of diarrhea, vomiting, or poor fluid intake, can suffer electrolyte disturbances and be more prone to develop arrhythmias with citalopram. Also, citalopram carries the risk of increasing diarrhea, thus worsening the fluid deficit and dehydration. Electrolyte disturbances, such as, low potassium and magnesium levels, secondary to diuretic pill intake, can also act as a [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking citalopram as follows: Serotonin is one chemical in the brain, which in permissible amounts, is believed to reduce anxiety and promote happiness and well-being. Very excessive concentrations of serotonin in the brain can lead to serotonin syndrome. Individuals with serotonin syndrome can present with mania, excitement, hallucinations, agitation, insomnia, pounding heartbeat, very rapid heart rate, overactive reflexes, and diarrhea. Citalopram use, especially along with other [...]