Patient Information
Citalopram Sandoz 20 mg Film-Coated Tablets
Citalopram Sandoz 30 mg Film-Coated Tablets
Read this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine,because it contains important information for you.
1. What Citalopram Sandoz is and what it is used for.
2. What you need to know before you start taking Citalopram Sandoz.
3. How to take Citalopram Sandoz.
4. Possible side effects.
5. Storage of Citalopram Sandoz.
6.Contents of the pack and additional information
Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and belongs to a group ofmedicines known as antidepressants. These medicines help correct certainchemical imbalances in the brain, which cause symptoms of your illness.
Citalopram is indicated for the treatment of:
Your doctor may, however, prescribe citalopram for any other purpose. Ask your doctor if you have any doubt as to why they have prescribed citalopram.
Do not take Citalopram Sandoz
-If you are allergic to citalopram or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6),
-If you are taking other medicines that belong to a group called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs include medicines such as phenelzine, iproniazid, isocarboxazid, nialamide, tranylcypromine, selegiline (for the treatment of Parkinson's disease), moclobemide (for the treatment of depression), and linezolid (an antibiotic).
-If you have had a heart rhythm disorder since birth or have had an episode of this type at any time (this is seen on an electrocardiogram, a test that evaluates how the heart works).
-If you are taking medicines because you have a heart rhythm disorder.
-If you are taking medicines that can affect your heart rhythm.
Even if you have finished treatment with MAOIs, you need to wait 2 weeks before starting your treatment with citalopram.
You should wait a day after taking moclobemide.
After finishing citalopram, you should wait a week before taking any MAOI.
Warnings and precautions
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take Citalopram Sandoz.
Please inform your doctor if you have any other condition or disease as your doctor may need to take it into account. In particular, inform your doctor:
Consult your doctor, even if any of the circumstances mentioned above have occurred at any time.
Some patients with manic-depressive illness may enter a manic phase. This is characterized by unusual and rapid changes in ideas, excessive joy, and excessive physical activity. If you experience this, contact your doctor.
Symptoms such as restlessness or difficulty sitting or staying upright (akathisia) may also occur during the first weeks of treatment. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Some medicines in the group to which citalopram belongs (called SSRIs/SNRIs) may cause sexual dysfunction symptoms (see section 4). In some cases, these symptoms persist after stopping treatment.
Special information related to your disease
Like other medicines for the treatment of depression or related diseases, improvement does not occur immediately. After starting treatment with citalopram, it may take several weeks before you experience any improvement.
In the treatment of anxiety disorder, it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks before any improvement is observed.
At the beginning of treatment, some patients may experience an increase in anxiety, which disappears with continued treatment. Therefore, it is very important that you follow your doctor's instructions exactly and do not interrupt treatment or change the dose without consulting your doctor.
Thoughts of suicide and worsening of your depression or anxiety disorder
If you are depressed and/or have an anxiety disorder, you may occasionally have thoughts of harming yourself or taking your life. These may increase when you first start taking antidepressants, as all these medicines take time to start working, usually around 2 weeks, although in some cases it may take longer.
You would be more likely to have these thoughts:
If at any time you have thoughts of harming yourself or taking your life,contact your doctor or go directly to a hospital.
It may be helpful to tell a family member or close friendthat you are depressed or have an anxiety disorder and ask them to read this leaflet. You can ask them if they think your depression or anxiety disorder has worsened, or if they are concerned about changes in your attitude.
Children and adolescents
Citalopram should not normally be used in the treatment of children and adolescents
under 18 years. At the same time, you should know that in patients under 18 years, there is a higher risk of adverse effects such as suicidal attempts, suicidal thoughts, and hostility (mainly aggression, confrontational behavior, and irritability) when taking this type of medicine.
Despite this, your doctor may prescribe citalopram for patients under 18 years if they decide it is the best option for the patient. If your doctor has prescribed citalopram and you are a patient under 18 years and want to discuss this decision, please go back to your doctor. You should inform your doctor if any of the symptoms mentioned above worsen or if you experience complications when patients under 18 years are taking this citalopram. At the same time, the long-term effects on safety related to growth, maturity, and cognitive and behavioral development of this citalopram in this age group have not yet been demonstrated.
Other medicines and Citalopram Sandoz
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have taken recently, or may need to take any other medicine.
Some medicines can affect the action of others and may cause sometimes severe adverse reactions.
Inform your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:
Taking Citalopram Sandoz with food, drinks, and alcohol
Citalopram can be taken with or without food (see section 3. “How to take Citalopram Sandoz”).
Citalopram has been observed not to increase the effects of alcohol. However, it is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption during treatment with citalopram.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you think you may be pregnant, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.
Pregnant women should not normally take citalopram, and mothers should not breastfeed their babies while taking this medicine, unless your doctor has evaluated the risks and benefits involved.
If you take citalopram during the last 3 months of your pregnancy and until the date of birth, be aware that the following effects may be observed in the newborn baby: difficulty breathing, blue skin, seizures, changes in body temperature, difficulty feeding, vomiting, low blood sugar, muscle stiffness or weakness, intense reflexes, tremors, restlessness, irritability, drowsiness, and difficulty falling asleep. If your newborn baby has any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately.
If you take citalopram in the final stage of pregnancy, there may be a higher risk of heavy vaginal bleeding shortly after delivery, especially if you have a history of bleeding disorders. Your doctor or midwife should know that you are taking citalopram so they can advise you.
Citalopram passes into breast milk in small amounts. There is a risk of effects in the baby. If you are taking citalopram, inform your doctor before starting breastfeeding.
Make sure your midwife and/or doctor are informed that you are taking citalopram.
During pregnancy, particularly in the last 3 months, medicines like citalopram may increase the risk of a serious condition in newborns, called persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), in which the baby breathes rapidly and turns blue. These symptoms usually start within the first 24 hours after birth. If they appear in your baby, you should contact your midwife and/or doctor immediately.
Citalopram has been shown to reduce sperm quality in animal models. Theoretically, this effect could affect fertility, but until now, it has not been observed in human fertility.
Driving and operating machinery
Generally, citalopram does not cause drowsiness; however, if you feel dizzy or sleepy when you start taking this medicine, do not drive or use tools or machinery until these effects disappear.
If your doctor has told you that you have an intolerance to certain sugars, consult with him before taking this medicine.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per coated tablet; this is, essentially “sodium-free”.
Follow exactly the administration instructions of this medication as indicated by your doctor. In case of doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.
Adults
Depression
The usual dose is 20 mg per day. If necessary, your doctor may increase this dose up to a maximum of 40 mg per day.
Anxiety disorder
The initial dose is 10 mg per day for the first week before increasing it to 20 or 30 mg per day. Your doctor may increase this dose up to a maximum of 40 mg per day if necessary.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
The initial dose is 20 mg per day. Your doctor may increase this dose up to a maximum of 40 mg per day if necessary.
Advanced age (over 65 years)
In elderly patients, treatment should be initiated with half the recommended dose, for example 10 or 20 mg per day.
In general, elderly patients should not take more than 20 mg per day.
Patients with special risks
Patients with liver disease should not take more than 20 mg per day.
Use in children and adolescents
Citalopram should not be administered to children or adolescents. For additional information, see section 2 “What you need to know before starting to take Citalopram Sandoz”.
How and when to take Citalopram Sandoz
Citalopram is taken once a day as a single daily dose.
Tablets can be taken at any time of the day, regardless of meals.
Tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water. Do not chew them (they have a bitter taste).
Treatment duration
Like other depression, anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder medications, it may take several weeks to notice some improvement. Continue taking citalopram even if you do not feel any improvement in your condition.
Do not modify the medication dose without first talking to your doctor.
Treatment duration is individual, generally at least 6 months. Continue taking the tablets for the recommended time by your doctor. Do not stop taking them unless your doctor tells you to. The underlying disease may persist for a long period, and if you stop treatment too soon, your symptoms may reappear.
Patients with recurrent depression benefit from continued treatment, sometimes for several years, to prevent the occurrence of new depressive episodes.
If you take more Citalopram Sandoz than you should.
If you have taken more Citalopram Sandoz than you should, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or call the Toxicological Information Service, phone: 91 562 04 20, indicating the medication and the amount used.Do this even if you do not observe any discomfort or signs of intoxication. Bring the Citalopram Sandoz packaging with you to the doctor or hospital.
Some symptoms of an overdose may include irregular heartbeats with life-threatening risk, convulsions, changes in heart rhythm, drowsiness, coma, vomiting, tremors, decreased blood pressure, increased blood pressure, nausea (feeling dizzy), serotonin syndrome (see section 4. “Possible side effects”), agitation, dizziness, dilated pupils, sweating, blue skin, hyperventilation (increased respiratory rate).
If you forgot to take Citalopram Sandoz
If you forgot to take a dose, take the next dose at the usual time.
Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed doses.
If you interrupt treatment with Citalopram Sandoz
Do not stop taking Citalopram Sandoz until your doctor tells you to. When you have completed your treatment, it is generally recommended that the citalopram dose be gradually reduced over several weeks.
Abrupt withdrawal of the medication may cause some mild or transient disturbances such as dizziness, feeling of pins and needles, sleep disturbances (intense dreams, nightmares, inability to sleep), feeling of anxiety, headache, feeling of dizziness (nausea), vomiting, sweating, feeling of restlessness or agitation, tremors, feeling of confusion or disorientation, feelings of emotion or irritability, diarrhea (loose stools), visual disturbances, rapid pulse or palpitations.
When you have finished the treatment period, it is generally recommended that the citalopram dose be gradually reduced over a couple of weeks instead of stopping it abruptly.
If you have any other doubts about the use of this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects usually disappear after a few weeks of treatment. Please note that many of the side effects can also be symptoms of your illness and will therefore improve when you start to feel better.
Some patients have reported the following serious side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking citalopram and see your doctor immediately.
Rare but serious side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 patients):
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking citalopram and see your doctor immediately.
The following side effects are generally mild and usually disappear after a few days of treatment. Please note that several of the side effects mentioned below may be symptoms of your illness and will therefore improve when you start to feel better.
If the side effects are bothersome or last longer than a few days, consult your doctor.
Dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay. Therefore, you should brush your teeth more frequently than usual.
Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 patients):
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 patients):
Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 patients):
Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from available data):
If you experience side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are side effects that do not appear in this leaflet.
Reporting side effects
If you experience any type of side effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible side effect that does not appear in this leaflet. You can also report them directly through theSistema Español de Farmacovigilancia de medicamentos de Uso Humano:https://www.notificaram.es.By reporting side effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medication.
Keepthis medicationout of the sight and reach of children.
No special storage conditions are required.
Do not use this medication after the expiration date that appears on the packaging after CAD/EXP. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated
Medicines should not be disposed of through drains or in the trash. Dispose of packaging and unused medications at the SIGRE collection pointat the pharmacy. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused packaging and medications. By doing so, you will help protect the environment.
Citalopram Sandoz 20 mg Film-Coated Tablets Composition:
The other components (excipients) are: maize starch, lactose monohydrate, povidone K64, 85% glycerol (E-422), microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, sodium carboxymethyl starch (type A) (derived from potato starch), hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E 171), macrogol 6000, and talc.
Appearance of the Product and Contents of the Package:
Citalopram Sandoz 20 mg are film-coated tablets, white, oblong, biconvex, scored on one side, and marked with “C20” on the other. They are packaged in PVC/Aluminum or Aluminum/PVC/PVDC blisters within cartons of 14, 28, or 56 tablets.
Citalopram Sandoz 30 mg are film-coated tablets, white, oblong, biconvex, scored on one side, and marked with “C30” on the other.
They are packaged in PVC/Aluminum or Aluminum/PVC/PVDC blisters within cartons of 28 or 56 tablets.
Only some package sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorization Holder and Responsible Manufacturer:
Marketing Authorization Holder:
Sandoz Farmacéutica, S.A.
Centro Empresarial Parque Norte
Edificio Roble
C/ Serrano Galvache, 56
28033 Madrid
Spain
Responsible Manufacturer:
Salutas Pharma GmbH
Otto-von-Guericke Allee 1
Barleben 39179
Germany
LEK, S.A.
Ul Domaniewska 50 C,
Warzawa, PL 02-672
Poland
Last Review Date of this Leaflet: July 2024
The detailed information on this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS)http://www.aemps.gob.es/
The average price of Citalopram sandoz 30 mg comprimidos recubiertos con pelicula efg in July, 2025 is around 7.68 EUR. Prices may vary depending on the region, pharmacy, and whether a prescription is required. Always check with a local pharmacy or online source for the most accurate information.
Have questions about this medication or your symptoms? Connect with a licensed doctor for guidance and personalized care.