Citanew Drops

About Citanew Drops

Citanew Drops Uses

• Treatment of major depressive disorder in adults
• Management of generalized anxiety disorder
• Treatment of social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia
• Treatment of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
• Management of obsessive compulsive disorder

Citanew Drops Benefits

• Allows precise, drop by drop dose titration for patients who need very small or gradual dose changes
• Useful for elderly patients and those sensitive to standard tablet strengths
• Easy option for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets
• Can be mixed with water or juice for easier administration
• Helps doctors start at the lowest effective dose and adjust it slowly

What Experts Say

Doctors across Pakistan increasingly prescribe escitalopram for depression and anxiety because it has a predictable response and a relatively mild side effect profile compared to older antidepressants. The drops form is often chosen when a very precise starting dose is needed, particularly in elderly patients or those with liver concerns, since even small changes in dose can affect tolerability.

Experts note that antidepressant response builds gradually over several weeks, so early follow up visits focus on monitoring mood, side effects, and any new or worsening suicidal thoughts rather than expecting immediate results. Doctors also stress that the dose should only be increased or reduced under medical supervision, since abrupt changes can trigger discontinuation symptoms or affect heart rhythm at higher doses.

Drug Class

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

Citanew Drops formula

• Escitalopram

Available forms

• Oral Drops (15ml bottle, 10mg/ml)

How to use Citanew Drops?

• Use only the dropper provided with the bottle to measure the prescribed dose
• Mix the measured drops in a small amount of water or juice and drink immediately
• Take the dose at the same time each day, with or without food
• Start at the lowest dose your doctor recommends and increase only as advised
• Do not stop the drops suddenly even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to
• Full benefit may take two to four weeks of regular use to appear

Drug Interactions

• MAOIs: Should not be used with or within two weeks of monoamine oxidase inhibitors due to a high risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Other serotonergic drugs: Combining with other SSRIs, SNRIs, tramadol, or triptans raises the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• NSAIDs and blood thinners: Using with aspirin, ibuprofen, or anticoagulants such as warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding.
• QT prolonging drugs: Taking with other medicines that affect heart rhythm can raise the risk of dangerous arrhythmias.
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol during treatment can worsen drowsiness and impair concentration.
• St John's Wort: This herbal supplement can increase serotonergic effects and should be avoided.

Risks and warnings

• Do not stop suddenly: Stopping escitalopram abruptly can cause discontinuation symptoms such as dizziness, irritability, and flu like feelings. Doses should be reduced gradually under medical guidance.
• Suicidal thoughts: Young adults and teenagers may experience increased suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially during the first few weeks of treatment or after a dose change. Close monitoring is advised.
• Serotonin syndrome: Combining Citanew Drops with other serotonergic medicines can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome, a serious reaction causing agitation, high fever, and rapid heartbeat.
• Heart rhythm changes: Higher doses may prolong the QT interval on an ECG, raising the risk of irregular heartbeat, particularly in people with existing heart conditions.
• Delayed effect: Full antidepressant benefit usually takes several weeks to appear, so the dose should not be increased on your own out of impatience.
• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can worsen drowsiness and dizziness and may increase the risk of side effects during treatment.
• Medical history: Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, bipolar disorder, seizures, liver disease, or a bleeding disorder before starting treatment.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Use only if your doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk to the baby.

Citanew Drops Side Effects

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Increased sweating
• Drowsiness or tiredness
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Sleep problems or unusual dreams
• Reduced appetite
• Decreased interest in sex or sexual dysfunction
• Tremor
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Blurred vision

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature, below 30°C
• Keep away from direct light and moisture
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Use only the dropper or dosing device provided with the pack
• Keep out of reach and sight of children