Why does one's mental state become abnormal after taking citalopram for a long time?
Nov 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Prolonged use of citalopram may lead to mental abnormalities, possibly due to drug accumulation, decreased individual tolerance, manic episodes, worsening anxiety, or depression relapse. These symptoms can be improved by adjusting medication, resting and recuperating, or additional medical treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is necessary. Long-term use of citalopram may result in drug accumulation in the body, affecting neurotransmitters.
Psychological disturbances after prolonged use of citalopram may be caused by drug accumulation, decreased individual tolerance, manic episodes, worsening anxiety, or depression relapse. These issues can be improved through medication adjustment, rest, and proper treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is necessary.
1. Drug Accumulation Reaction: Long-term use of citalopram may lead to drug accumulation in the body, disrupting neurotransmitter balance and causing mental abnormalities such as irritability and insomnia. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation of blood drug levels and adjust dosage or dosing intervals as directed by a physician.
2. Decreased Individual Tolerance: Prolonged medication use may alter the body's sensitivity to the drug, reducing tolerance and leading to mood swings and difficulty concentrating. It is advised to ensure adequate sleep, reduce mental stress, and avoid staying up late or overexertion.
3. Manic Episode: The drug may affect the brain's emotional regulation, triggering mania characterized by elevated mood, impulsivity, irritability, and increased speech. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may use medications such as lithium carbonate sustained-release tablets, sodium valproate sustained-release tablets, or olanzapine tablets to alleviate symptoms.
4. Worsening Anxiety Disorder: Long-term use may fail to adequately control underlying anxiety or may even exacerbate it due to drug effects, resulting in restlessness and panic attacks. It is recommended to use medications such as alprazolam tablets, sertraline tablets, or buspirone tablets under medical supervision to relieve discomfort.
5. Depression Relapse: Reduced drug efficacy or disease progression may lead to a recurrence of depression accompanied by psychological abnormalities, including low mood and slowed thinking. Patients may follow medical advice to use fluoxetine capsules, paroxetine tablets, or venlafaxine sustained-release capsules to improve symptoms.
Maintain regular作息, ensure sufficient sleep, eat a light and nutritionally balanced diet, engage moderately in gentle activities such as walking and meditation, communicate frequently with family members, and avoid emotional instability during solitude to support overall mental and physical recovery.
