Cipramil

What is it?

An antidepressant preparation which is a 5HT reuptake inhibitor. It selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin (a neurotransmitter), ensuring that this remains available for a longer period and facilitating beneficial serotonergic effects. Available as film-coated, white tablets in three different strengths containing citalopram as hydrobromide. White tablets contain 10mg, marked CL; white, oval tablets contain 20mg, marked CN; white, oval tablets contain 40mg, marked CR. Also, CIPRAMIL DROPS, containing 40mg of citalopram as hydrochloride per ml of solution (8 drops is equivalent to tablet of 20mg strength), for adding to water or fruit juice.

Medical Uses

Panic disorder which may be accompanied by agoraphobia, early stage depressive illness and as maintenance to prevent recurrence.

Dosage

Adults, depressive illness, 20mg each day at start increasing to a rrnaximum daily dose of 60mg, if needed; panic disorder, 10mg once each day at start, continuing for 1 week and then increasing to 20mg daily, to a maximum of 60mg, if required. Elderly persons should receive same starting doses but with lower maximum of 40mg each day.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver or serious kidney disease, epilepsy which is unstable, patients at risk of bleeding disorders, diabetes, mania, ECT. Drug should be stopped gradually.

Avoid Use

Children.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Neuroleptics, tryptophan, 5HT agonists, lithium, MAOIs, St John's Wort.

Known Side Effects

Sleepiness, nausea, trembling, dry mouth, sweating.

Manufacturer

Lundbeck.