Cipram Tablet: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Cipram Tablet (Citalopram) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Cipram Tablet? (Cipram Tablet kya hai)

Cipram Tablet contains Citalopram — a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). It blocks the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) in the brain, increasing synaptic serotonin, which reduces depression and anxiety. Citalopram is considered the most selective among SSRIs and has comparatively fewer drug interactions.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aata hai)

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD — depression)
• Panic Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD — waswase)
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko lena chahiye)

• Patients with doctor-diagnosed depression (MDD)
• Patients with panic disorder or anxiety disorder
• Patients referred by a doctor for OCD
• Adult patients — under psychiatrist or physician supervision

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi lena chahiye)

• If taking MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine) — 14-day washout is required
• Congenital long QT syndrome
• Allergy to citalopram or any ingredient
• Uncontrolled bipolar disorder
• Without a doctor's prescription

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• As prescribed — generally starting at 20mg/day

• As prescribed — dose titration is done by the doctor

• 40mg/day

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

7. How to Take (Kaise lena hai)

• Once daily — morning or evening, as advised by the doctor
• Take at the same time every day — consistency is essential
• Can be taken with or without food — if nausea occurs, take after food
• Swallow the whole tablet with water — do not crush or chew

8. Best Time (Kab lena chahiye)

• As per doctor's instructions — morning or night; if insomnia occurs, morning is better
• Take at the same time every day — maintain routine

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

• Can be taken either way. If nausea occurs early on, taking it after food is better — this usually resolves within 1–2 weeks.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• With MAO inhibitors: FATAL serotonin syndrome — 14-day washout required
• Congenital long QT syndrome
• Dose must not exceed 40mg — QT prolongation risk

• Antidepressants, especially in the first 1–4 weeks — particularly in patients under 25 — can trigger suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm. Inform the patient and family. Report to the doctor immediately.

• Never stop suddenly — dizziness, nausea, flu-like symptoms, and electric shock sensations (discontinuation syndrome) can occur

• Category C — risk to the foetus is possible; neonatal adaptation syndrome. Consult your doctor.

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C
• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of the reach of children

• ECG monitoring in cardiac patients at high doses or with cardiac disease
• Check sodium levels in elderly patients (SIADH risk)
• Bleeding risk — extra caution with NSAIDs/warfarin

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Nausea (early — usually passes), Dry mouth, Headache, Sweating, Insomnia or sedation, Sexual dysfunction, Diarrhea, Weight gain (long-term)

• QT prolongation (dose-dependent), Serotonin syndrome (agitation, tremor, hyperthermia), Hyponatraemia, Increased bleeding, Mania precipitation

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, selegiline) — FATAL serotonin syndrome; 14-day washout required
• Tramadol, triptans (sumatriptan) — serotonin syndrome risk
• QT-prolonging drugs: antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, clarithromycin — cardiac risk
• Warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDs — increased bleeding risk
• Alcohol — increases CNS depression; better to avoid
• Omeprazole/esomeprazole — CYP2C19 inhibition can increase citalopram levels

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm — IMMEDIATELY
• Signs of serotonin syndrome: agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, confusion — EMERGENCY
• Irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation)
• Confusion, fits, severe weakness (hyponatraemia)
• Severe withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Citalopram (Cipram) kis kaam aata hai?

A: Cipram (Citalopram) is an SSRI antidepressant prescribed by doctors for depression (MDD), panic disorder, OCD, and anxiety. It increases serotonin levels in the brain.

Q: Citalopram ke side effects kya hain?

A: Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness or fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. Serious effects include QT prolongation and serotonin syndrome — see a doctor immediately.

Q: Citalopram kitne din mein kaam karta hai?

A: The full antidepressant effect becomes apparent in 2–4 weeks. In the first week, some change in anxiety or sleep may occur. Do not stop on your own.

Q: Citalopram (Cipram) Pakistan mein price kya hai?

A: Price varies by pharmacy and pack size. For the updated price, check Dawaai.pk or your local registered pharmacy.

Q: Citalopram band karne ka tarika kya hai?

A: Never stop Cipram abruptly — discontinuation syndrome can occur. Reduce the dose gradually under doctor's guidance (tapering). Stopping on your own is dangerous.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.