Hello, the doctor prescribed 10mg of citalopram each day. But I want to ask, does anyone else take it .....?

Question

Does anyone take it twice a day? I mean as in 10mg in the morning then 10mg at night? because I'm thinking of doing that!

I know that u can get 20mg one tablet, but im just wondering if its better to take it twice a day. And also some people with other anti dipressants are prescribed to take it twice a day.

Answer 1

I used to take them, one in the morning and one at night, but its always best to speak to your doctor about it.

Answer 2

i take them but only 10mg a day and they are quiet good

Answer 3

Citalopram is used to treat depression. Citalopram is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.

Citalopram comes as a tablet and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take citalopram at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take citalopram exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of citalopram and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once a week.

It may take 1 to 4 weeks before you feel the full benefit of citalopram. Continue to take citalopram even if you feel well. If you suddenly stop taking citalopram, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as mood changes, irritability, agitation, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, anxiety, confusion, headache, tiredness, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Do not stop taking citalopram without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

Answer 4

Absolutely!

Answer 5

Citalopram is an SSRI (an antidepressant) and it works by very slowly modifying the serotonin levels in your brain. It actually takes 4 to 6 weeks for the the medication to really have any noticeable effect, so trying to increase your dose won't really do anything  for you on a day/night basis.

It's very important to follow your doctor's prescription and take the medication *consistently*. Sometimes, patients taking citalopram experience acute side effects (nausea, jitteriness) for a few hours after taking their pill. If that happens, you could split your 10mg pill in half and take one half (5mg) in the morning and the other half (5mg) at night. But this would not make you feel any less "down", just perhaps more physically comfortable.

Starting on the lower 10mg per day dose also limits your chances of any unusual mental changes. You will want to be especially careful in the first 4-6 weeks if you experience worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. It really helps to let a family member know that, so that they can keep an eye on you until you start feeling better.

If you're still feeling "down", you really need to talk to your doctor, before you begin experimenting with your prescription. They can help you find something to hold you over while your citalopram starts working.

Answer 6

Don't increase your dosage without your doctor's consent, you could do more harm than good! Your doctor has obviously monitored your condition and has prescribed the correct dosage for your current state of mind. My girlfriend takes 40mg of it once in the morning but you have to remember that it takes a while - 3 to 4 weeks - to work! If, after 5 weeks or so you feel no different then by all means go back and ask for a higher dosage. Best of luck.

Answer 7

What the prob w/ taking it the way your doctor prescribed it?

If all you're going to do is tinker with the dose and play with your meds, you have less of a chance of getting better. Are you depressed and trying to get balanced out and better, or just wanting to get high?

Answer 8

you're better sticking with taking the whole dose at once , in the morn for about 4-6 weeks and then see your gp again if you're not sure how its going, sometimes its really hard to notice whether they're working or not. i'm on 60mg a day now along with amitriptyline.some days i feel good, others not so!!! my niece and my dog work just as well i think !!! walking outside in the sunshine and fresh air makes you feel better whether you like it or not  honest! i'm just coming out of hibernation now pity we dont get much of a summer. smile hunny it helps too. find someone to talk to if poss and dont think too much. meditate a little on whats good in your life. nothing to do but smile smile smile !!! stay free hunny x*x