Hello. I have had depression for many many years and anxiety. My Dr put me on citalopram 40mg last year. I took it for 2 days then felt really weird. I was exhausted from doing nothing. Could not stay awake, was not hungry, dizzy and it just made me feel like I was drunk. I also have a heart disease Right Ventricular Dysplasia and have a pacemaker and defibrillator. I stopped taking this medication cause I did not like the way it made me feel. Could I possibly cut in in half and only take 20 mg instead of the 40mg? Or is this medication not save for me with my heart disease? I’m also on Lorazepam .05 when needed for my anxiety. Thank you!!
Is this safe to take with a heart disease?
Question posted by Rachelle75 on 14 Aug 2022
Last updated on 14 August 2022 by WildcatVet
Answers
WildcatVet
14 Aug 2022
Hi, Rachelle!
You'll need to talk to your doctor about any potential interactions between the medication and your heart disease. There is one possible interaction... QT elongation... but whether or not that would be a problem? If your doctor prescribed it knowing your medical history I would assume they determined that it would be safe.
https://www.drugs.com/disease-interactions/citalopram.html
As far as your other side effects perhaps you're right. The standard recommended initial dosage is 20mg so that might help your metabolism adjust more smoothly to the drug. Side effects are fairly common and generally resolve within days to a week or so for most folks. You can cut your dose but you should alert your doctor and get their okay.
Related topics
depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, hot flashes, citalopram, anxiety and stress, heart, disease
Further information
- Citalopram uses and safety info
- Citalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Citalopram (detailed)
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