Buy Generic Citalopram Online

Generic Citalopram Information

Introduction

Citalopram (chemical name Citalopram Hydrobromide) belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of antidepressants. It is prescribed primarily for mood disorders and is listed on the Hong Kong Pharmacy and Poisons Board’s formulary for adult use. The drug is manufactured by several multinational pharmaceutical companies and is also available as a cost‑effective generic. In Hong Kong, the medication is used both in public hospitals and private clinics for the management of depressive and anxiety‑related conditions, where it contributes to the overall mental‑health strategy endorsed by the Hospital Authority.

What is Citalopram?

Citalopram is an SSRI antidepressant that was first approved in the United States in 1998 and later introduced to Asian markets, including Hong Kong, in the early 200s. The active ingredient is Citalopram Hydrobromide, a white, crystalline solid supplied in film‑coated tablets of 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg strengths. The medication is marketed worldwide under brand names such as Celexa® (original brand) and Cipramil®, while numerous generic manufacturers distribute identical formulations.

• Classification: Antidepressant – selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
• Development: Synthesised by Lundbeck (Denmark) as part of a series of serotonergic agents.
• Manufacturers: Lundbeck, Sun Pharma, Teva, and other GMP‑certified producers whose products meet Hong Kong’s Drug Office standards.

How Citalopram Works

Citalopram inhibits the serotonin transporter (SERT) on presynaptic neurons, reducing the re‑uptake of serotonin (5‑HT) from the synaptic cleft back into the nerve terminal. By increasing extracellular serotonin concentrations, the drug enhances serotonergic neurotransmission, which is associated with mood elevation and anxiolysis.

• Onset of therapeutic effect: Typically 2–4 weeks for depressive symptoms, with anxiety improvements often evident earlier.
• Duration of action: The half‑life is approximately 35 hours, allowing once‑daily dosing.
• Metabolism and clearance: Primarily hepatic via CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6 pathways; metabolites are excreted renally.

Sustained serotonergic activity corrects the neurochemical imbalances thought to underlie major depressive disorder (MDD) and several anxiety disorders, thereby improving emotional regulation and functional capacity.

Conditions Treated with Citalopram

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): First‑line SSRI for adult patients with moderate to severe depression, as endorsed by the Hong Kong Psychiatric Association.
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Demonstrated efficacy in reducing excessive worry and physiological arousal.
• Panic Disorder: Reduces frequency and intensity of panic attacks when used at therapeutic doses.
• Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – off‑label: While not officially approved for OCD in Hong Kong, clinical guidelines recognise SSRIs, including citalopram, as viable options when higher‑dose fluoxetine or sertraline are not tolerated.

Epidemiologically, the Hong Kong Mental Morbidity Survey (2021) estimated a 12‑month prevalence of depressive episodes at 7.1 % and anxiety disorders at 5.8 %. Citalopram’s favorable side‑effect profile and once‑daily regimen make it a widely adopted therapeutic option in these populations.

Who is Citalopram For?

Citalopram is indicated for adult patients (≥ 18 years) who meet diagnostic criteria for MDD, GAD, or panic disorder and who require pharmacologic intervention. It is particularly suitable for:

• Individuals needing a once‑daily oral tablet with minimal dose‑adjustment complexity.
• Patients who have experienced sexual side effects with older tricyclic antidepressants, as citalopram’s serotonergic selectivity reduces anticholinergic burden.
• Persons with a history of medication non‑adherence, because the long half‑life provides a built‑in buffer against occasional missed doses.

Contra‑indications or caution are advised for:

• Patients with known hypersensitivity to citalopram or any tablet excipients.
• Those with a history of bipolar disorder, as SSRIs can precipitate manic switching if mood stabilisers are not co‑prescribed.
• Individuals with severe hepatic impairment, because metabolism may be markedly reduced.

Clinicians often assess cardiac risk (QT‑interval prolongation) before initiating therapy, especially in patients over 60 years, those with electrolyte disturbances, or those taking other QT‑prolonging agents.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea or mild gastrointestinal upset.
• Headache, dizziness, or transient sleep disturbances.
• Dry mouth and mild sweating.
• Sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, delayed ejaculation).

Rare

• Hyponatraemia (particularly in elderly patients).
• Weight loss or gain (usually modest).
• Abnormal liver function tests (ALT/AST elevations).

Serious

• QT‑interval prolongation: Reported at doses > 40 mg/day; may lead to torsades de pointes in predisposed individuals.
• Serotonin syndrome: Occurs if combined with other serotonergic agents (e.g., monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tramadol, St John’s wort).
• Manic switch: Rapid elevation of mood in patients with undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
• Severe allergic reactions: Including angioedema and anaphylaxis.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• CYP2C19 inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, fluvoxamine) can increase citalopram plasma levels, necessitating dose reduction.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, rifampicin) may lower effectiveness.
• Concurrent QT‑prolonging drugs (e.g., erythromycin, levofloxacin, quinidine) amplify cardiac risk.
• Anticoagulants (warfarin) may experience enhanced anticoagulant effect; INR monitoring is advised.

Patients should disclose all over‑the‑counter products, herbal supplements, and alcohol use to their prescriber.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Initial adult dose: 10 mg once daily, usually taken in the morning to minimise insomnia.
• Usual therapeutic range: 20 mg to 40 mg daily. Doses above 40 mg are discouraged in Hong Kong due to QT‑prolongation concerns.
• Titration: Increase by 10 mg at weekly intervals based on clinical response and tolerability.
• Missed dose: If remembered within 12 hours, take the missed tablet; otherwise skip and continue with the next scheduled dose. Do not double‑dose.
• Overdose management: Immediate medical attention is required. Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and cardiac arrhythmias. Activated charcoal is effective if administered within one hour of ingestion; supportive care and cardiac monitoring are standard.

Precautions: Avoid alcohol, as it may increase sedation and impair judgment. Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery until individual response is known. Renal or hepatic impairment may warrant dose adjustments; follow the prescriber’s guidance.

Buying Citalopram from Our Online Pharmacy

Citalopram is available for purchase through our online pharmacy in Hong K. We source the generic product directly from GMP‑certified overseas manufacturers, ensuring the same active ingredient—Citalopram Hydrobromide—as the reference brand.

• Affordability: Prices are close to the manufacturer’s wholesale cost, making treatment accessible for patients without comprehensive insurance coverage.
• Verified quality: Every batch undergoes independent third‑party testing for potency, purity, and dissolution compliance before shipment.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet packaging with express shipping (typically 5–7 business days) or regular airmail (approximately 2–3 weeks) is available throughout Hong Kong.
• Privacy‑focused service: As a pharmacy broker, we collaborate with licensed overseas pharmacies, providing a confidential channel for patients who prefer an anonymous purchasing experience.

Our platform adheres to Hong Kong’s import regulations for personal‑use medicines, providing customers with the documentation required for customs clearance. This service is especially valuable for individuals experiencing limited stock or high prices in local retail pharmacies.

FAQ

• Is Citalopram available in both brand‑name and generic forms in Hong Kong?
  Yes. The original brand, Celexa®, is marketed alongside numerous generic versions that contain the identical active compound, Citalopram Hydrobromide. Generic formulations are typically less expensive while meeting the same regulatory standards.

• How should Citalopram be stored in a humid climate Kong?
  Keep the tablets in their original blister pack at room temperature, away from moisture, direct sunlight, and heat sources. Using a sealed container in a cool, dry pantry helps maintain potency.

• Can I travel internationally with Citalopram tablets?
  You may carry a personal supply for up to 30 days, accompanied by a copy of the prescribing document or a doctor’s letter. Check the destination country’s specific import rules, as some require declaration at customs.

• What does the tablet of Citalopram look like?
  Generic tablets are usually round, film‑coated, and marked with the dosage strength (e.g., “10 mg”, “20 mg”, “40 mg”) along with a distinct imprint code that varies by manufacturer.

• Are there any food restrictions while taking Citalopram?
  No strict dietary limitations exist, but it is advisable to avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can exacerbate anxiety or sedation. A balanced diet supports overall treatment effectiveness.

• Is Citalopram safe for patients with hypertension?
  Citalopram does not directly affect blood pressure, but it may interact with certain antihypertensive agents via CYP450 pathways. Monitoring blood pressure during treatment is prudent, particularly when using multiple cardiovascular drugs.

• Does Citalopram appear on standard drug‑testing panels?
  No. Routine workplace or sports drug tests typically do not screen for SSRIs, including citalopram, unless a specific psychiatric medication panel is requested.

• Can I use Citalopram if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
  The medication crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk. Current guidelines recommend using it only when the therapeutic benefit outweighs potential risks; a physician should evaluate each case individually.

• What is the difference between Citalopram and Escitalopram?
  Escitalopram is the S‑enantiomer of citalopram, offering a slightly higher affinity for the serotonin transporter. Both are SSRIs, but escitalopram is often prescribed at lower doses due to its increased potency.

• Are there known differences in formulation between Asian and Western markets?
  In Asia, tablet excipients may include lactose‑free or additional stabilisers to suit regional manufacturing standards. However, the active ingredient and therapeutic equivalence remain consistent across markets.

• How long can I keep an open bottle of Citalopram before it expires?
  Most tablets retain full potency for 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored correctly. The expiration date printed on the packaging should always be respected.

• Does Citalopram affect hormone-based contraceptives?
  No significant pharmacokinetic interaction has been documented. Nonetheless, continue using contraception as directed, because individual variability can never be completely ruled out.

Glossary

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

A class of antidepressants that block the reabsorption of serotonin into neurons, increasing its availability in the brain.

QT‑interval prolongation

An extension of the heart’s electrical repolarisation period on an ECG, which can increase the risk of dangerous arrhythmias.

Serotonin syndrome

A potentially life‑threatening condition caused by excess serotonergic activity, presenting with agitation, hyperthermia, sweating, and neuromuscular abnormalities.

CYP450 enzymes

A family of liver enzymes (e.g., CYP2C19, CYP3A4) that metabolise many medications; variations in their activity affect drug levels and interactions.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Citalopram is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Citalopram for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.