Seropram (citalopram)
What is Seropram?
Seropram, with active ingredient citalopram, is a prescription drug used for treating depression. The drug belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is believed that neurotransmitters are the messengers of the brain. The brain releases neurotransmitters which then attach themselves t the next nerve cells, hence taking the message forward. Imbalance of neurotransmitters is known to cause mental disorders, including depression.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter of the brain. Seropram works by preventing the uptake of serotonin by the adjacent nerve cells, hence inhibiting the function of serotonin and thus, treating depression.
Prevention/side effects of Seropram
Seropram has the active ingredient citalopram. Patients allergic to citalopram should refrain from using this drug. Other than that, patients using MAO inhibitors such as rasigline, emsam etc. should refrain from using this drug. There should be a gap of at least 14 days between taking an MAO inhibitor and taking Seropram.
Patients on other anti-depressants or those with liver disease, kidney disease, history of seizures, drug abuse or epilepsy should take Seropram only after consultation with a doctor. The drug is also known to react with certain medications such as medications used for treating AIDS, medications used for treating epilepsy, medications used for treating malaria, medications used for treating seizures etc. This is not a complete list of medications which are known to react with Seropram. Patients on any of these drugs or those on other prescription medicines should take Seropram only after consultation with a doctor.
Seropram is a Category C pregnancy drug. Thus, it may have adverse effects on newborn child as well as the fetus. Thus, pregnant women as well as women who are breastfeeding should take this drug only after consultation with a doctor.
The drug is also known to have certain side effects such as increased sweating, abnormal changes in weight, flu like symptoms, insomnia, diarrhea etc. However, in some cases, serious side effects may show up to the drug such as stiff muscles, tremors, irregular heartbeat, breathlessness, memory loss, seizures etc. If any of these symptoms or other serious symptoms shows up after taking Seropram, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Please note that the above is not a complete list of side effects of Seropram.
Important safety information
- The drug is known to cause drowsiness. Thus, tasks which require attention such as driving or working on heavy machinery should be avoided immediately after taking the drug.
- Consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it is known to increase the risk of side effects to the drug.
- Tryptophan should be avoided while taking Seropram as the drug is known to react adversely with Seropram, even leading to life threatening conditions.
- In people younger than 24 years of age, the drug may be accompanied with thoughts of suicide in the early stages of treatment. Thus, such patients need to be monitored closely at all times.
- Patients with Long QT syndrome or those having low calcium levels in the blood should inform the doctor accordingly before taking Seropram.
Dosage of Seropram
Seropram is available as tablets for oral administration. The usual dosage of the drug for treating depression in adults is 20 mg once daily. The usual dosage of Seropram for treating depression in children is 10 mg once daily which may be increased by 5 mg every week. The usual dosage of Seropram for treating depression in people above the age of 65 years is 20 mg once daily which may be increased to 40 mg. However, the actual dose may differ depending on the diagnosis and response of the patient.
Seropram can be taken with or without food. However, overdose of the drug should be avoided at all costs. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, it should not be clubbed with the next dose. Overdose of Seropram can lead to severe symptoms such as seizures, irregular heartbeat etc. which require immediate medical attention.
Storage of Seropram
Seropram should be stored at room temperature in cool and dry conditions away from direct sunlight. It should be kept away from reach of children as well as pets at all times.
