Citalopram at a glance
Medicine class
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant.
Main licensed uses
Depressive illness and panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia.
Food
The tablets may be taken with or without food.
Driving
Citalopram can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive or use machinery if affected.
What is Citalopram used for?
This UK product is licensed for:
Depressive illness, including maintenance against relapse or recurrence.
Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia.
How does Citalopram work?
Citalopram selectively reduces serotonin reuptake by nerve cells, increasing serotonin signalling in the brain. This can gradually improve symptoms of depression and panic disorder, but benefit may not be immediate.
Citalopram preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg
How to take Citalopram
Follow the dispensing label and prescriber's instructions.
Swallow the tablet with water rather than chewing it.
It may be taken with or without food.
Do not stop suddenly because this makes withdrawal symptoms more likely.
Check the product leaflet or ask a pharmacist if the tablet is difficult to swallow or instructions are unclear.
Citalopram side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Increased sweating
- Sleep disturbance, sleepiness or insomnia
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Dizziness or tremor
- Palpitations
- Tiredness
- Reduced libido or other sexual difficulties
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the tongue or throat, severe rash or breathing difficulty: possible severe allergic reaction.
- Agitation or confusion with sweating, shaking, muscle twitching or a fast heartbeat: possible serotonin syndrome.
- Fainting, marked dizziness or a fast or irregular heartbeat: possible serious rhythm disturbance.
- Unexpected bruising or blood in urine, stools or vomit: possible significant bleeding.
- Seizure, severe restlessness, manic behaviour or sudden marked mental-health deterioration.
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide require urgent support.
Citalopram in pregnancy
Citalopram can be used during pregnancy when the expected benefit justifies potential risks. Review treatment with the prescriber rather than stopping abruptly. Later use can occasionally cause short-lived newborn symptoms; hospital birth and newborn observation may be advised. SSRI exposure near delivery is also associated with small increases in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and postpartum bleeding risk.
Citalopram while breastfeeding
Citalopram passes into breast milk in small amounts and may be used cautiously after individual assessment. Other SSRIs may be preferred when starting treatment, but changing an effective medicine is not always appropriate. Monitor the infant for unusual drowsiness, irritability, restlessness, colic, poor feeding and adequate weight gain, particularly if premature or unwell.
Citalopram interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines, supplements and herbal remedies. Important examples include:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including moclobemide and selegiline
Some combinations are contraindicated because they can cause severe reactions, including serotonin syndrome; medicine-specific washout requirements must be checked.
Linezolid
The combination is contraindicated unless close observation and blood-pressure monitoring are available.
Medicines that prolong the QT interval
Concurrent use is contraindicated because it may increase the risk of serious arrhythmia.
Common questions about Citalopram
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
How long does citalopram take to work?
Some people notice initial improvement after a few weeks, but response varies. Seek review if symptoms worsen or there are thoughts of self-harm while waiting for benefit.
Can citalopram make anxiety worse at first?
Yes. Some people with panic disorder experience a temporary increase in anxiety early in treatment. Discuss marked or persistent worsening with the prescriber.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.