citalopram
Used for Depression and Anxiety
NowPatient helps you obtain your citalopram prescription for free or at low-cost. Drug savings programs are suitable for individuals who are insured, don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine.
Manufactured by various FDA-approved generic manufacturers.
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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citalopram key facts
What dosages is citalopram available in?
citalopram is available as a 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg oral tablet as well as a 10 mg/5 ml oral solution.
What is citalopram used for?
citalopram is a SSRI used for depression.
How does citalopram work?
citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by raising the levels of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is important for regulating your mood.
How do I take citalopram?
citalopram is typically taken by mouth once a day and then increased if needed up to a maximum of 40 mg per day. Your dose might be lower if you’re an older adult or if you have liver problems.
Is it safe for me to take citalopram?
citalopram is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the last 14 days, are taking pimozide, or have a known hypersensitivity to citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients of citalopram.
citalopram Common Side Effects
Common side effects of citalopram include:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness
- Trouble sleeping
- Sweating
- Tremor
- Diarrhea
- Ejaculation problems
citalopram Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with citalopram. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Abnormal heart rhythm: chest pounding, short of breath, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, tremor (shakiness), muscle stiffness, muscle twitching or spasms, uncoordinated movement
- Serious bleeding: bruising that doesn’t improve, black-colored stools, pink or red-colored urine, coughing up or vomiting blood, unusual bleeding from the nose or gums
- Low sodium levels: nausea, fatigue, headache, confusion, disoriented
Seizures
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on citalopram
The following medications may interact with citalopram:
- CYP2C19 Inhibitors – citalopram 20 mg daily is the maximum recommended dosage for patients taking concomitant CYP2C19 inhibitors
Who makes citalopram?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is citalopram safe in pregnancy?
citalopram use, particularly late in pregnancy, may increase the risk of harm to your unborn baby. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during
pregnancy. Healhcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at women’s health
What is the brand name for citalopram?
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my citalopram prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your citalopram prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient citalopram savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient citalopram savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
Rx Advantage Card* for citalopram | Canadian Prescription Savings* for citalopram | citalopram Drug Coupon* | citalopram Patient Assistance Program* | |
Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of citalopram?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
Rx Advantage Card* for citalopram | Canadian Prescription Savings* for citalopram | citalopram Drug Coupon* | citalopram Patient Assistance Program* | |
Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the citalopram savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the citalopram drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for citalopram, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the citalopram prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, citalopram is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed citalopram for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the citalopram prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the citalopram prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for citalopram
If you are having trouble paying for your citalopram medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for citalopram you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- citalopram is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers citalopram
- If citalopram is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for citalopram
If you are having trouble paying for your citalopram medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for citalopram you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers citalopram
- If citalopram is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for citalopram
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your citalopram treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for citalopram you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for citalopram
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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