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" What is citalopram\u00A0used for? Citalopram is an antidepressant medicine prescribed to treat:   Depressive illness.  Panic disorders including fear of wide open spaces (agoraphobia) or crowds.   How does citalopram work? Citalopram hydrochloride is a type of antidepressant medicine known as a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain. Neurotransmitters are natural body chemicals that\u00A0act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. When serotonin is released from nerve cells in the brain it acts to lighten mood. When it is reabsorbed into the nerve cells, it no longer has an effect on mood. It is thought that when depression occurs, there may be a decreased amount of serotonin released from nerve cells in the brain. Citalopram works by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This helps prolong the mood lightening effect of any released serotonin. In this way, citalopram helps relieve depression, panic and fear.  How long does it take for citalopram to work?   It may take between two to four weeks for the benefits of citalopram to appear, so it is very important that you keep taking it, even if it doesn&amp;#039;t seem to make much difference at first. If you feel your depression or anxiety has got worse, or if you have any distressing thoughts, or feelings about suicide or harming yourself in these first few weeks, or indeed at any point during treatment or after stopping treatment, then it is very important to talk to your doctor.  What\u00A0brands of\u00A0citalopram are available? Citalopram is a generic medicine. It is also available under the brand name\u00A0Cipramil.   How do I take citalopram? What should I know before taking citalopram? Who should not take citalopram? Can I take citalopram while pregnant or breastfeeding? What are the possible side effects of citalopram? Can I take citalopram with other medicines? Last updated:\u00A020/04/2016 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/depression/a26353/citalopram-uses-and-action/>