What Is Cipramil Used For?

Cipramil contains the active ingredient citalopram hydrobromide and belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Primary Uses

Cipramil is used to treat depression. Depression is longer lasting or more severe than the normal ‘low moods’ everyone experiences from time to time due to everyday stress.

How It Works

SSRIs are thought to work by their actions on brain chemicals called amines which are involved in controlling mood. Depression is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance in parts of the brain, and Cipramil corrects this chemical imbalance and may help relieve the symptoms of depression.

How to Take Cipramil

Your doctor will decide what dose you will receive. Take Cipramil as a single dose either in the morning or in the evening, with or without food.

Dosage Instructions

The standard dose for adults is between 20 mg and 40 mg (one to two tablets) per day. The recommended starting dose in elderly patients is 10 mg (half a tablet) per day but may be increased to a maximum of 20 mg (one tablet) per day. If you have liver problems or are taking medicines such as cimetidine and omeprazole, the recommended starting dose is 10mg (half a tablet) per day, which can be increased to a maximum of 20mg (one tablet) per day. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water – do not chew them.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss your dose and remember within 12 hours, take it straight away, then go back to taking it as you would normally. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• decreased appetite or loss of appetite
• dry mouth
• diarrhea
• nausea
• sleeplessness
• fatigue
• sleepiness or drowsiness
• yawning
• increased sweating
• sexual disturbances
• itching
• ringing in ears
• muscle or joint pain
• flu-like symptoms
• taste disturbance
• weight changes
• constipation
• dizziness
• headache
• restlessness

Important Warnings

There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking Cipramil.

Who Should Not Take Cipramil

Do not take Cipramil if you are allergic to citalopram hydrobromide or any of the ingredients, if you have congenital long QT syndrome, if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering, or if you are taking MAOIs such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide, linezolid, or selegiline. Do not give to children or adolescents under 18 years old.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have: allergies to other substances, heart conditions, illnesses requiring regular blood tests, tendency to bleed or bruise easily, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, bipolar disorder, history of seizures, restlessness, raised eye pressure or glaucoma risk, epilepsy, or if you are receiving electroconvulsive therapy.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do not take Cipramil if you are pregnant unless you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits. When taken during pregnancy, particularly in the last three months, it may affect your newborn baby and increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). It may also increase the risk of heavy vaginal bleeding after birth. Do not take while breastfeeding unless risks and benefits have been discussed with your doctor, as it is excreted in breast milk.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Cipramil and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.

• pimozide (used to treat mental disorders)
• MAOIs such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide
• linezolid (antibiotic)
• selegiline (for Parkinson’s disease)
• lithium (for mood swings)
• tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine, desipramine)
• heart medications (beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics)
• sumatriptan (for migraines)
• tramadol (pain relief)
• cimetidine and omeprazole (for reflux and ulcers)
• aspirin and NSAIDs
• warfarin (blood thinner)
• St John’s Wort
• antifungal medicines (ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole)
• macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin)
• carbamazepine (for convulsions)
• tryptophan
• antipsychotics
• other antidepressants

Alcohol & Driving

Be careful with alcohol consumption and driving while taking Cipramil.

Alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. It is not advisable to drink alcohol while you are being treated for depression.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Cipramil affects you. It may cause visual disturbance (such as blurred vision), nausea, fatigue, and dizziness in some people, especially early in treatment. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous.

Storage

Store Cipramil in a cool dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Keep your tablets in the original packaging, in a safe place, away from children. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on windowsills.

Overdose Information

If you think you have taken too much Cipramil, you may need urgent medical attention. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fast or slow heart beat, changes in heart rhythm, blood pressure changes, tremor, agitation, dilated pupils, drowsiness, sweating, bluish skin discoloration, and increased breathing rate. Convulsions or coma may occur. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions