Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Citalopram?

In the paperwork that comes with my citalopram it says that you shouldn't take it if you have epilepsy which i have got,so why have they prescribed it,before you say go and see your doc i've already been and the doc says that the psych should know and the psych says the doc should know so whats the score,also my neurologist doesn't know.
Answer:
Hello,

As a nurse, I am telling you not to take it until you have clear-cut instructions from both doctors. DO NOT TAKE THE MEDICATION. I am assuming the psyche doctor prescribed it. Please call his office now and talk to his nurse. Tell her you have epilepsy and the instructions with the medication clearly state not to take this drug. Then ask her to get specific instructions from the psyche doctor as to whethor or not this medication is contraindicated. Then ask if he/she would like to switch you to another med. Most nurses are happy and willing to help you with a medication question! Most importantly, tell her that you are not going to take it until someone explains this to you in terms you can understand.
Secondly, while you are waiting to hear back from them, call your doctor that treats your epilepsy. Talk to that doctor or a nurse in that office. Tell them your psyche doctor ordered this drug, and the literature says its contraindicated in epilepsy. Then tell them they need to CONSULT with your psyche doctor to decide which treatment they would like to continue and which treatment they would like to stop or change. Next call your neurologists office and tell the nurse that, the other two doctors are giving you the "Run-a-round". Ask that nurse for help too!

No matter what, do not take it until they give you clear cut instructions as to whether or not it is safe to take it. Sometimes two medications are contraindicated, but the benefit outweights the harm. So there may be a reason that your doctors want you take this medication. However, you need to know what the risks are before you take it.

Good Luck,
Angie R.N.
just take it.
no surprise you would be better asking you hairdresser or something, i took this medication and to be honest it messed me up and made me worse, as for your epilepsy i would not take the medication if it says it in black and white, ask to see a new doc and be firm you want answers.stat
I think it's awful that you've been told to take this drug if it's contraindicated for epilepsy which you have - thank goodness you were sensible and double checked the notes.

I'd suggest you ask your primary doctor to refer you to a different psychiatrist; the psychiatrist is meant to be the 'expert' with the medications and if he knew you had epilepsy, and still told you to take Citalopram, then you shouldn't see him again.

You'd never trust any of his advice after this anyway, so you need to see someone better. Good luck with it.
Double check with your doctor before taking the medication, explain to the pyschatrist that you have epilepsy and that you're not sure if you should take it considering the notes mention that you shouldn't if you're epilipetic...DO NOT TAKE IT until you have checked with your doctor.

Hope this helps
I wouldn't take it because of your epilepsy. Check with your GP first. The medical professional who prescribed you the Citalopram should give you the final say about whether to take the medicine or not.

They both sound a bit unprofessional if they are unable to make the decision about whether you should take it or not.

Find out one way or the other before you take it.
In very rare cases these drugs have been known to cause sezures, but i think it is when a person takes a dose that is too high. Thats why it will be written about epilepsy. You need to go and get answers, as many people have written here. If you can't get the answers from who you are currently seeing, then you should go elsewhere. I am guessing that it would depend on how much citalopram you have been recommended to take, your previous history of epilepsy, and if you are taking anything to control epilepsy at the moment.

I took a medication once that was not recommended for people with a history of depression. However, i was perscribed it on the promise that i would continue to take anti-depressants at the same time.

Like i said - definatley speak to someone who can give you the answers before making a decision.

Oh and well done for looking out for you - lots of people would have just taken them.

Good luck.x
I took citalopram for four months in 2006. It was close to the worst four months of my life. At my next appointment, I demanded that the Doc change them.

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