Celexa adverse effects

Citalopram (Celexa) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Brand names:

Celexa®
- Tablets: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
Citalopram
- Tablets: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
- Liquid: 10 mg/5 ml

Generic name: citalopram (sye TAL oh pram)

All FDA black box warnings are at the end of this fact sheet. Please review before taking this medication.

What Is Citalopram And What Does It Treat?

Citalopram is an antidepressant medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Symptoms of depression include:

Depressed mood - feeling sad, empty, or tearful
Feeling worthless, guilty, hopeless, and helpless

Loss of interest or pleasure in your usual activities
Sleep and eat more or less than usual (for most people it is less)
Low energy, trouble concentrating, or thoughts of death (suicidal thinking)
Psychomotor agitation (‘nervous energy’)
Psychomotor retardation (feeling like you are moving and thinking in slow motion)
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Citalopram may also be helpful when prescribed “off-label” for obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia (also known as social anxiety disorder), posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). “Off-label” means that it hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this condition. Your mental health provider should justify his or her thinking in recommending an “off-label” treatment. They should be clear about the limits of the research around that medication and if there are any other options.

What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Citalopram?

Do not stop taking citalopram even when you feel better. With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medicine.

Missing doses of citalopram may increase your risk for relapse in your symptoms.

Stopping citalopram abruptly may result in one or more of the following withdrawal symptoms: irritability, nausea, feeling dizzy, vomiting, nightmares, headache, and/or paresthesias (prickling, tingling sensation on the skin).

Depression is also a part of bipolar illness. People with bipolar disorder who take antidepressants may be at risk for "switching" from depression into mania. Symptoms of mania include "high" or irritable mood, very high self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressure to keep talking, racing thoughts, being easily distracted, frequently involved in activities with a large risk for bad consequences (for example, excessive buying sprees).

Medical attention should be sought if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Please refer to serious side effects for signs/symptoms.

Are There Specific Concerns About Citalopram And Pregnancy?

If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your health care provider to best manage your medications. People living with MDD who wish to become pregnant face important decisions. Untreated MDD has risks to the fetus, as well as the mother. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers. For women who take antidepressant medications during weeks 13 through the end of their pregnancy (second and third trimesters), there is a risk that the baby can be born before it is fully developed (before 37 weeks).

For mothers who have taken SSRIs during their pregnancy, there appears to be less than a 1% chance of infants developing persistent pulmonary hypertension. This is a potentially fatal condition that is associated with use of the antidepressant in the second half of pregnancy. However, women who discontinued antidepressant therapy were five times more likely to have a depression relapse than those who continued their antidepressant. If you are pregnant, please discuss the risks and benefits of antidepressant use with your health care provider.

Caution is advised with breastfeeding since citalopram does pass into breast milk.

What Should I Discuss With My Health Care Provider Before Taking Citalopram?

Symptoms of your condition that bother you the most
If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
Medications you have taken in the past for your condition, whether they were effective or caused any adverse effects
If you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with your provider. Some side effects may pass with time, but others may require changes in the medication.
Any other psychiatric or medical problems you have, including a history of bipolar disorder
All other medications you are currently taking (including over the counter products, herbal and nutritional supplements) and any medication allergies you have
Other non-medication treatment you are receiving, such as talk therapy or substance abuse treatment. Your provider can explain how these different treatments work with the medication.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
If you drink alcohol or use drugs

How Should I Take Citalopram?

Citalopram is usually taken one time per day with or without food.

Typically patients begin at a low dose of medicine and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks.

The dose usually ranges from 20 mg to 40 mg once daily. For patients older than 60 years, the maximum recommended dose is 20 mg once daily. Only your health care provider can determine the correct dose for you.

The liquid should be measured with a dosing spoon or oral syringe which you can get from your pharmacy.

If you are taking citalopram, you should not take other medications that include escitalopram (Lexapro®).

Consider using a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication. You may also ask a family member or friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication.

What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of Citalopram?

If you miss a dose of citalopram, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your health care provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Citalopram?

Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking antidepressant medications. They may decrease the benefits (e. g., worsen your condition) and increase adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the medication.

What Happens If I Overdose With Citalopram?

If an overdose occurs, call your doctor or 911. You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

A specific treatment to reverse the effects of citalopram does not exist.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Citalopram?

Common side effects

Headache, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, increased sweating, feeling nervous, restless, fatigue, or having trouble sleeping (insomnia). These will often improve over the first week or two as you continue to take the medication.

Sexual side effects, such as problems with orgasm or ejaculatory delay often do not diminish over time.

Rare/serious side effects

Low sodium blood levels (symptoms of low sodium levels may include headache, weakness, difficulty concentrating and remembering), teeth grinding, angle closure glaucoma (symptoms of angle closure glaucoma may include eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around eye), serotonin syndrome (symptoms may include shivering, diarrhea, confusion, severe muscle tightness, fever, seizures, and death), seizure

SSRI antidepressants including citalopram may increase the risk of bleeding events. Combined use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), warfarin, and other anti-coagulants may increase this risk. This may include symptoms such as gums that bleed more easily, nose bleed, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Some cases have been life threatening.

Risk of abnormal heart rhythms with citalopram

August 2011: Citalopram at doses greater than 40 mg per day could potentially cause a dangerous abnormality in the electrical activity of the heart. Citalopram use is discouraged in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. Patients with low levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood are also at increased risk. If you are currently taking citalopram at a dose greater than 40 mg per days, talk to your health care professional. Seek immediate care if you experience an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting while taking citalopram. If you are taking citalopram, your health care professional may occasionally order an electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) to monitor your heart rate and rhythm. Your health care provider may also order tests to check levels of potassium and magnesium in your blood.

Are There Any Risks For Taking Citalopram For Long Periods Of Time?

To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of citalopram. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.

What Other Medications May Interact With Citalopram?

Citalopram should not be taken with or within 2 weeks of taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These include phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), rasagiline (Azilect®), and selegiline (Emsam®).

Although rare, there is an increased risk of serotonin syndrome when citalopram is used with other medications that increase serotonin, such as other antidepressants, migraine medications called “triptans” (e.g., Imitrex®), some pain medications (e.g., tramadol (Ultram®), the antibiotic linezolid (Zyvox®), and amphetamines.

Citalopram may increase the effects of other medications that can cause bleeding (e. g., ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), warfarin (Coumadin®) and aspirin).

Increased risk of QT prolongation when used with:

Certain antiarrhythmics: quinidine (Quinidex Extentabs®, Quinaglute®, Quinalan®), procainamide (Procanbid®, Pronestyl®, Pronestyl-SR®), amiodarone (Cordarone®, Pacerone®), sotalol (Betapace®, Sorine®)
Certain antipsychotics: chlorpromazine (Thorazine®), thioridazine (Mellaril®)
Certain antibiotics: gatifloxacin (Tequin®), moxifloxacin (Avelox®)
Methadone®

How Long Does It Take For Citalopram To Work?

Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve.

Summary of FDA Black Box Warnings

Suicidal thoughts or actions in children and adults

Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications. This risk may persist until significant remission occurs.

In short-term studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults when compared to placebo. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24. Adults age 65 and older taking antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidality. Patients, their families, and caregivers should be alert to the emergence of anxiety, restlessness, irritability, aggressiveness and insomnia. If these symptoms emerge, they should be reported to the patient’s prescriber or health care professional. All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should watch for and notify their health care provider for worsening symptoms, suicidality and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment.

Provided by

(December 2020)

©2020 The College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). CPNP and NAMI make this document available under the Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivatives 4.0 International License. Last Updated: January 2016.

This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists. This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions. Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein. The College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists disclaims any and all liability alleged as a result of the information provided herein.

Celexa Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Warnings:

Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. It is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.

Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.

Warnings:

Uses

Citalopram is used to treat depression. It may improve your energy level and feelings of well-being. Citalopram is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.

How to use Celexa

Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking citalopram and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning or evening. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, laboratory tests, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start taking this drug at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Also, you may experience symptoms such as mood swings, headache, tiredness, sleep changes, and brief feelings similar to electric shock. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away.

It may take 1 to 4 weeks to feel a benefit from this drug and up to several weeks before you get the full benefit.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

See also Warning and Precautions sections.

Nausea, dry mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, drowsiness, sweating, blurred vision, and yawning may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: shaking (tremor), decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, easy bruising/bleeding.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seizures, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night).

This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.

Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking citalopram, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to escitalopram; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, personal or family history of suicide attempts, liver disease, seizures, low sodium in the blood, intestinal ulcers/bleeding (peptic ulcer disease) or bleeding problems, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).

Citalopram may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using citalopram, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, recent heart attack, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using citalopram safely.

This drug may make you drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding, loss of coordination, and QT prolongation (see above). They may also be more likely to develop a type of salt imbalance (hyponatremia), especially if they are also taking "water pills" (diuretics). Loss of coordination can increase the risk of falling.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. Monitor weight and height in children who are taking this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Also, babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may rarely develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor promptly.

Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.

This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as EKG) should be done periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Keep all regular medical and psychiatric appointments.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Cellex instructions for use: indications, contraindications, side effects - description of Cellex solution for s / c injection 0.1 mg / 1 ml: amp. 1 ml or 2 ml 1, 2, 4, 5 or 10 pcs. in set with sterile. syringe filter (33303)

📜 Instructions for use Cellex ^®

💊 The composition of the drug Telex ^®

✅ Application of the Preparation Pollex ^®

📅 Storage Conditions ^®

⏳ PERFORE OF PERFORMANCE ^®

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Search for analogues 9000

Product Description Cellex ^® (Cellex)

Based on the official instructions for use of the drug, approved by the manufacturer and prepared for the electronic edition of the Vidal Handbook 2016 year, update date: 2021. 07.05

Marketing authorization holder:

PHARM-SINTEZ JSC (Russia)

Produced:

COMPANY DEKO, LLC (Russia)

Contacts for inquiries:

PHARM-SINTEZ CJSC (Russia)

ATX codes

N06BX (Other psychostimulants and nootropics)
N07XX (Other drugs for the treatment of diseases of the nervous system)

Dosage form

Cellex ^®

Solution for s / c injection 0. 1 mg / 1 ml: amp. 1 ml or 2 ml 1, 2, 4, 5 or 10 pcs. in set with sterile. syringe filter

reg. No.: LP-001393 from 20.12.11 - Indefinitely

Release form, packaging and composition Cellex

^®

Solution for s / c injection transparent, colorless or light yellow, odorless or with a specific odor; opalescence is allowed; the presence of individual strands of coagulate is allowed. cellex0065

0.1 mg.

* Composition per 1 ml.
Active substance: porcine brain polypeptides active substance in terms of total protein 0.9-2.4 mg (nominal total protein content 1.65 mg per 1 ml of substance).
Excipients: glycine - 3.75 mg, 0.1M disodium hydrogen phosphate solution - up to pH 7.8 (about 0. 8 mg of dry matter), sodium chloride - 5.85 mg, polysorbate 80 - 0.005 mg, purified water - up to 1 ml.

1 ml - dark glass ampoules (1) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (1) - packs of cardboard.
1 ml - dark glass ampoules (1) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (2) - packs of cardboard.
1 ml - dark glass ampoules (2) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (1) - cardboard packs.
1 ml - dark glass ampoules (2) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (2) - packs of cardboard.
1 ml - dark glass ampoules (5) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (1) - packs of cardboard.
1 ml - dark glass ampoules (5) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (2) - cardboard packs.
2 ml - dark glass ampoules (1) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (1) - packs of cardboard.
2 ml - dark glass ampoules (1) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (2) - packs of cardboard.
2 ml - dark glass ampoules (2) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (1) - packs of cardboard.
2 ml - dark glass ampoules (2) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (2) - packs of cardboard.
2 ml - dark glass ampoules (5) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (1) - packs of cardboard.
2 ml - dark glass ampoules (5) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (2) - packs of cardboard.

Clinical and pharmacological group: Nootropic drug

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Nootropic

Contacts for inquiries

115419 Moscow, 2nd Roshinsky pr-d 8
Tel. : (495) 796-94-33; Fax: (495) 796-94-34

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Unexpected drug side effects

Indigestion, nausea, muscle and joint pain, and headaches are common side effects of medication. But sometimes the body reacts so strangely to an allergy remedy, an antibiotic, or a sleeping pill that it’s time to get scared. What if you suddenly feel weak, suddenly want to sleep, there is a mist in your eyes or hallucinations begin? Of course, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Here are the strangest side effects of common medications you may encounter.

Hallucinations

Things that are not really there can be seen, heard or felt by taking the ordinary sleeping pill Lunesta (eszopiclone). The depression medication Lexapro (Escitalopram) unfortunately can cause the same side effect.

Discoloration of urine

Urine may turn pink due to the fact that you have eaten beets, orange if you overdo it with vitamins. It is not dangerous and has happened to you at least once. But what if the urine turned green or blue? This is most likely a side effect0165 antidepressant Elavil (amitriptyline) or pain reliever Indocin (indomethacin). The antibiotic Flagyl (metronidazole) may change the color of urine to black.

Vivid dreams, memory lapses

If you decide to quit smoking with Chantix (varenicline), dreams can become very vivid and exciting. Do you need to see a doctor, even if in a dream you lead a more interesting life than in reality? Of course. Sleeping pills Ambien (zolpidem) may cause symptoms of sleepwalking. A person can get up at night, drive a car, talk on the phone and even have sex, and in the morning he does not remember anything about it.

Bloating

anti-constipation products containing lactulose or sorbitol and antacids containing calcium carbonate may cause bloating (flatulence). The problem is unpleasant, especially when it manifests itself not at home, but in the office or in a public place. For example, Prilosec (omeprazole), a drug prescribed for heartburn or GERD, causes bloating.

Weight Gain

You can gain 10 kg in just 3 months with the antipsychotic Zyprex (olanzapine) for the treatment of bipolar disorder. antidepressants such as Paxil (paroxetine) can cause the same side effect. Other medications that can affect weight include steroids, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy drugs, diabetes medications.

Reduced libido

antidepressants selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: Prozac (fluoxetine), Celexa (citalopram), Zoloft (sertraline). Another side effect of these drugs can be priapism, a painful erection that lasts more than 4 hours and is not associated with sexual arousal. An example is the antidepressant Desyrel (trazodone).

Visual disturbances

Distortions in visual perception (fog, halos, double objects) may cause antihistamines , preparations for blood pressure lowering , medicines against malaria and tuberculosis . You can also see everything through blue or green “glasses” by taking Viagra (sildenafil). But it's better not to.

Hair loss/abnormal growth

Hair loss can be caused by cancer treatment , but there are several common medications that can also cause this side effect. These include drugs that thin the blood contraceptive pills , antidepressants and drugs for the treatment of gout . Sometimes drugs provoke excessive hair growth in the most unexpected places. These can be steroid drugs or the drug for the treatment of endometriosis in women - Danocrine (danazol).

Tendon rupture

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics *** may cause damage to the Achilles tendon. If you have been prescribed fluoroquinolone Cipro (ciprofloxacin) or Levaquin (levofloxacin) keep this in mind.

If you have strange symptoms that are not uncomfortable but still frightening, talk to your doctor. In any case, even if treatment or drug withdrawal is not required, it will not hurt to know what is happening with your body.

*** The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a bulletin on the side effects of fluoroquinolone antibiotics for the treatment of infections of the genitourinary system, intestines, nasopharynx, eyes, ears, lungs and bronchi. Fluoroquinolones have been reported to cause a significant decrease in blood sugar levels, as well as adversely affect the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). The bulletin states that a sudden drop in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can cause coma . And disorders of the central nervous system can manifest themselves in the form of a decrease in attention and memory, disorientation, excitability, nervousness, confusion.

If a fluoroquinolone antibiotic has been prescribed by a healthcare professional, a diabetic patient must tell them about their condition and list the medications they are taking. If the appointment remains valid for one reason or another, it is necessary to carefully monitor blood sugar levels and be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Early signs include: confusion, rapid heart rate, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, pale skin, sweating, unusual hunger, tremors, headache, irritability.

When prescribing fluoroquinolones, clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of hypoglycemia (and coma) in elderly diabetic patients and in patients with diabetes who are prescribed oral hypoglycemic (anti-diabetic) drugs or insulin. If the patient reports the occurrence of side effects associated with disruption of the central nervous system or characteristic of hypoglycemia, it is advisable to change the regimen for treating the infection.

Physicians should not prescribe fluoroquinolones to patients for whom other treatment options are available for acute bacterial sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections because risks outweigh benefits .

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