Key facts about Citalopram
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
