Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S

Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S belongs to a class of drugs called “antidepressants” used to treat depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S is a Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), chemically composed of Citalopram, is available in form of oral tablets to be taken strictly as prescribed by the doctor. 

Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S works by increasing the levels of an important neurotransmitter in the brain, serotonin also known as a “Mood elevator/stabilizer”. Low levels of this neurotransmitter can lead to depression, anxiety, and mood swings. It is available on prescription, as tablets, to be strictly used under a doctor’s supervision. Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S has a slow onset of therapeutic effects which may take up to 4-6 weeks or even longer to improve symptoms. Abrupt withdrawal of Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S can cause withdrawal symptoms for which reason it is tapered down gradually before stopping the treatment altogether.

Dosage of Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S depends on age, the severity of the condition, patients’ response to the medicine, and their comorbidities. Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S is not prescribed to patients under 18 years of age, however, in some cases when other safer medicines fail, doctors may find it a useful therapy for younger patients. In all the patients taking Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S especially under 18 years, careful monitoring is advised since there is a risk of increased suicidal tendencies. Precaution is also advised in elderly patients when prescribing Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S. Common side effects of this medication are nausea, headache, dryness in the mouth, sleepiness, and dizziness.

 

How does Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S work

It is an “antidepressant” belonging to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing the levels of natural substances called neurotransmitters. Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S increases the levels of an important neurotransmitter in the brain, serotonin also known as “Mood elevator/stabilizer. This helps improve helps persons and related conditions. 

Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S is prescribed to adults above 18 years of age and it is used in the treatment of:

• Major depressive disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder

Dosage

Available Potency and forms of Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S 

Tablet - 10 mg

Tablet - 20 mg 

Adult dose

Starting dose 20 mg, once a day orally

The dose may be gradually increased to a dose of 40 mg once a day

Pediatric Dose

Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S is not commonly prescribed to patients under 18 years of age. In some cases, doctors may find it a useful therapy when other drugs fail to help. 

Unapproved use in children under 18 years of age, starting Dose: 10 mg once a day

The dose may be gradually increased to a dose of 20 mg once a day

Elderly Dose

Starting dose 20 mg/day, once a day

The elderly dose is monitored closely to avoid side effects

IMPORTANT: Initially all the starting doses are kept low which may be increased gradually over weeks as per requirement. 

Special Dose: Dose adjustment may be required in cases of severe liver and chronic kidney disease

Pregnancy use and lactation

Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S is FDA pregnancy risk category C (Harmful to the fetus in animal studies), therefore it should not be taken during pregnancy unless considered necessary. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S.

 

How to use Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S

Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S is available in the form of tablets. Swallow the capsules with a glass of water without chewing. In general, the treatment with Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S is started at the lowest effective dose (10 or 20 mg) which is gradually increased over weeks as tolerance develops. Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S is usually prescribed to be taken once a day for depression and related conditions. Tolerance is common to develop with such drugs; dosage is titrated accordingly to match the therapeutic dose.

It can be taken with or without food, preferably around the same time each day. Taking higher doses of Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S or more often than prescribed will not make it more effective, and can increase side effects. Moreover, withdrawal symptoms can occur if the drug is stopped abruptly, therefore it must be gradually tapered down over a perioovernths before stopping completely. Treatment with Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S may continue for a prolonged duration lasting up to several months.

Like most medicines, Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S has some side effects which include:

Common Side effects

• Nausea 
• Headache 
• Fatigue 
• Insomnia or drowsiness 
• Dizziness
• Agitation 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S:

• History of drug-associated allergies
• Concomitant use with other antidepressants or anxiolytics. Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S must not be used if you have taken MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days to avoid serious adverse effects
• Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S can alter platelet count in the blood which may put you at risk of easy bruising, and nosebleeds. Also taking blood thinners like aspirin, warfarin, etc. may increase this risk
• Elderly patients must practice caution due to age-related conditions, especially they can worsen hyponatremia
• High risk of bone fractures, avoiding activities can increase the risk of falling or injury
• Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S may alter heart rhythm (prolonged QT interval), which must be closely monitored especially if you have an existing heart condition. 
• Hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood), especially in the elderly and patients on diuretics 
• History of mania or seizures should be monitored carefully
• Be watchful for signs of Serotonin syndrome including confusion, agitation, insomnia, etc.
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Raised intraocular pressure/ glaucoma
• Renal impairment
• There is an increased risk of behavioral changes and suicidal tendency when taking Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S, the caretaker must closely observe the behavior and report any unusual symptom
• If you are diabetic carefully monitor your blood sugar levels if you are taking Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S because it can affect your blood sugar levels 
• Alcohol consumption must be avoided with Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S 
• Do not stop taking Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S all of a sudden without asking a doctor, it can cause withdrawal symptoms

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S:

• Allergic reaction to Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S or other SSRIs - indicated by skin rash, swelling around the face area, wheezing, chest tightness, and breathing difficulty
• Kidney impairment
• Liver impairment
• Have a history of taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) in the last 14 days
• Glaucoma
• Epilepsy
• Gastric ulcer past or current

Certain medications could interact with Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S, hence, in that case, your doctor might alter your dosage. A few of the interacting drugs are given below:

Please inform your doctor about the use of the following before taking Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S:

• MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, etc)
• TCAs (amitryptaline, doxepin, imipramine, etc)
• Other SSRIs like sertaline 
• Artemether/lumefantrine
• Chemotherapeutic drugs like vinblastine 
• Antipsychotics like pimozide 
• Metoprolol
• Cimetidine 
• Omeprazole / esomeprazole
• Fluconazole 
• Anti-clotting like Clopidogrel, warfarin, aspirin, Urokinase, etc
• CNS active drugs e.g. carbamezapine, diazepam, phenytoin
• Linezolid 
• Methylene Blue
• Alcohol 

# 1. What Exactly Does Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S Do?

It is an “antidepressant” selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing the levels of natural substances - neurotransmitters particularly serotonin in the brain, also known as “Mood elevator/stabilizer. 

#2. How Long Does It Take For Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S To Start Work?

Normally it takes 4-6 weeks for Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S to show its effects clinically.

# 3. For How Long Will I Have To Take Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S?

Time duration depends on why you’re taking Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S. For depression or anxiety, you will probably be asked to take it for a further 6 months or more after you start feeling better. Stopping it too soon might bring back your depression or anxiety. 

# 4. Can I Stop Taking Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S?

Do not just stop taking the medicine, make sure to complete your treatment course even if you feel better. Stopping it suddenly may cause withdrawal problems like difficulty sleeping, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and uncontrollable muscle movements. 

#5. Is Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S Highly Addictive?

No, as such it is not considered to be addictive; but drug dependency can develop. Also stopping the medicine abruptly can cause undesirable withdrawal symptoms.

#6. Does Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S Interfere With Warfarin? Is It Safe To Take Both Together?

Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S is known to increase bleeding tendency. Taking these medicines together could increase the risk of bleeding or you may experience petechiae or purpura. 

#7. Can I Drink Alcohol With Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S?

Consuming alcohol when taking Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S may cause excessive drowsiness and could increase the risk of liver damage, hence should be avoided. 

#8. What If I Take Too Much Of Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S?

If you have taken too much of the prescribed Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S you may experience symptoms of overdose for example, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, blurred vision, fainting, dizziness, and seizures. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms. 

#9. What If I Take Too Much Of Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S?

If you're taking Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S once a day then take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's less than 12 hours until your next dose, in which case you should skip the missed dose. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm so you do not miss any dose. Make sure to complete your course of treatment even if you feel better and think you do not need to take it anymore.

#10. Can I Take Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S During Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S. 

#11. Can Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S Cause Drowsiness?

It may cause drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue (tiredness), and visual disturbances. However, it is uncommon and is not reported by many people. If you experience any of these symptoms avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

#12. Will Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S Affect My Blood Pressure?

Monitor your blood pressure regularly as it may cause an increase in blood pressure, especially during the first month of treatment. It can cause changes in heart rhythms depicted in ECG readings (prolonged QT interval).

#13. Can I Drive Or Ride A Bike After Taking Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S?

Make sure you know how your body reacts while using ‘product’ as it is known to make you feel dizzy. Do not drive or use any machinery until you feel normal again

#14. How Should Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S Be Stored?

Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children, and other people. Dispose of the unused medicine. 

#15. Can Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S Affect My Sexual Activity?

Sexual dysfunction has been reported with Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S. It may cause a decrease in libido. You must discuss this with your consultant. 

#16. Will Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S Affect My Fertility?

There have been reports of reduced sperm count in men taking Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S which returned to normal after discontinuation. Discuss this concern with your doctor. 

#17. Can I Take My Acidity medicines with Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S 

Drugs like omeprazole and esomeprazole are likely to cause an increase in your side effects. Inform your doctor if you are taking either one of these drugs or any other antacid in which case the doctor will possibly restrict your Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S dose up to 20 mg per day.

#18. What Foods Should I Avoid During Treatment With Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S?

Certain foods may interact with Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S affecting its efficacy. Food products with tyramine in it should be avoided, these may include, cheese, milk, chicken liver, beef, soya beans, banana, etc, interaction with Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S can lead to dangerously high blood pressure. Herbs like cannabis Sativa (from which many hallucinogenic medicines are prepared) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) should be avoided. Alcohol may increase sedation which must also be avoided. 

#19. What Tests Should I Undergo During Treatment With Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S?

The patient is generally advised to keep in check their serum sodium, potash, sodium, and glucose levels. Also APTT, INR must be checked. Cipram 20mg Tablet 14 'S can alter heart rhythm, ECG may also be required occasionally, especially when adjusting or starting with a dose.