Citalopram Brand Name– Celexa
What is Citalopram
Citalopram is an oral selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.
Primary off-label uses in adults have included premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), hot flashes, and certain anxiety disorders.
Citalopram has no FDA-approved indications in pediatric patients. While citalopram showed some efficacy in treating agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease in the CitAD study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health, the drug was associated with QTc prolongation and cognitive decline, limiting its application in this setting.
Due to the known risk of dose-dependent QT prolongation with citalopram, precautions apply to those with cardiac conditions, hepatic disease, and those receiving certain CYP inhibitors.
Maximum recommended doses should not be exceeded.
Product labels for all antidepressants contain a boxed warning related to an increased risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults during the initial stages of therapy when treating depression or other conditions; therefore, the necessity of pharmacologic therapy versus the potential risks should be carefully considered in these populations
Indications
- depression
- hot flashes
- menopause
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- panic disorder
- posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- social phobia (social anxiety disorder)
For the treatment of major depression
for the treatment of major depression in adult patients
Side Effects
- abdominal pain
- abnormal dreams
- acne vulgaris
- agitation
- akathisia
- alopecia
- amenorrhea
- amnesia
- anaphylactic shock
- anaphylactoid reactions
- anemia
- angina
- angioedema
- anorexia
- anxiety
- asthenia
- ataxia
- atopic dermatitis
- atrial fibrillation
- bleeding
- blurred vision
- bone fractures
- bone pain
- bradycardia
- breast enlargement
- bronchospasm
- bundle-branch block
- cardiac arrest
- cataracts
- chest pain (unspecified)
- cholecystitis
- cholelithiasis
- choreoathetosis
- coagulopathy
- colitis
- confusion
- conjunctivitis
- cough
- dehydration
- delirium
- depression
- diarrhea
- diplopia
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)
- dysgeusia
- dyskinesia
- dysmenorrhea
- dyspepsia
- dysphagia
- dyspnea
- dystonic reaction
- dysuria
- ecchymosis
- ejaculation dysfunction
- elevated hepatic enzymes
- emotional lability
- epistaxis
- eructation
- erythema multiforme
- esophagitis
- euphoria
- fatigue
- fever
- flank pain
- flatulence
- flushing
- galactorrhea
- gastritis
- gastroesophageal reflux
- GI bleeding
- gingivitis
- glossitis
- goiter
- growth inhibition
- gynecomastia
- hallucinations
- heart failure
- hematoma
- hematuria
- hemolytic anemia
- hemorrhoids
- hepatic necrosis
- hepatitis
- hiccups
- hyperbilirubinemia
- hyperesthesia
- hyperglycemia
- hyperhidrosis
- hyperkinesis
- hyperprolactinemia
- hypersalivation
- hypertension
- hypertonia
- hypertrichosis
- hypoesthesia
- hypoglycemia
- hypokalemia
- hyponatremia
- hypotension
- hypothyroidism
- increased urinary frequency
- insomnia
- jaundice
- keratitis
- lacrimation
- laryngitis
- lethargy
- leukocytosis
- leukopenia
- libido decrease
- libido increase
- lymphadenopathy
- lymphocytosis
- lymphopenia
- mania
- mastalgia
- migraine
- muscle cramps
- myasthenia
- mydriasis
- myocardial infarction
- myoclonia
- nausea
- neonatal abstinence syndrome
- nephrolithiasis
- neuropathic pain
- nightmares
- ocular hypertension
- ocular pain
- oliguria
- orgasm dysfunction
- orthostatic hypotension
- osteopenia
- osteoporosis
- pancreatitis
- paranoia
- paresthesias
- peripheral edema
- peripheral vasodilation
- persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
- phlebitis
- photophobia
- photosensitivity
- platelet dysfunction
- pneumonitis
- polyuria
- priapism
- pruritus
- pruritus ani
- psoriasis
- psychosis
- ptosis
- pulmonary embolism
- purpura
- QT prolongation
- rash
- renal failure (unspecified)
- rhabdomyolysis
- rhinitis
- seizures
- serotonin syndrome
- SIADH
- sinus tachycardia
- sinusitis
- skin discoloration
- stomatitis
- stroke
- suicidal ideation
- syncope
- teeth grinding (bruxism)
- thrombocytopenia
- thrombosis
- tinnitus
- torsade de pointes
- toxic epidermal necrolysis
- tremor
- urinary incontinence
- urinary retention
- urticaria
- vaginal bleeding
- ventricular fibrillation
- ventricular tachycardia
- vertigo
- vomiting
- weight gain
- weight loss
- withdrawal
- xerophthalmia
- xerosis
- xerostomia
- yawning
Monitoring Parameters
- blood pressure
- growth rate
- heart rate
- thyroid function tests (TFTs)
- weight
Contraindications
- abrupt discontinuation
- acute myocardial infarction
- akathisia
- anorexia nervosa
- anticoagulant therapy
- apheresis
- AV block
- bipolar disorder
- bleeding
- bone fractures
- bradycardia
- breast-feeding
- cardiomyopathy
- celiac disease
- children
- citalopram hypersensitivity
- closed-angle glaucoma
- dehydration
- driving or operating machinery
- electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- escitalopram hypersensitivity
- ethanol ingestion
- females
- fever
- geriatric
- growth inhibition
- heart failure
- hepatic disease
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
- hyperparathyroidism
- hypocalcemia
- hypokalemia
- hypomagnesemia
- hyponatremia
- hypothermia
- hypothyroidism
- hypovolemia
- increased intraocular pressure
- long QT syndrome
- mania
- MAOI therapy
- myocardial infarction
- neonates
- osteoporosis
- pheochromocytoma
- poor metabolizers
- pregnancy
- QT prolongation
- renal failure
- renal impairment
- rheumatoid arthritis
- seizure disorder
- sickle cell disease
- sleep deprivation
- stroke
- suicidal ideation
- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- thrombolytic therapy
- torsade de pointes
- ventricular tachycardia
Interactions
- Abciximab
- Acetaminophen; Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine
- Acetaminophen; Butalbital; Caffeine; Codeine
- Acetaminophen; Caffeine; Dihydrocodeine
- Acetaminophen; Caffeine; Magnesium Salicylate; Phenyltoloxamine
- Acetaminophen; Caffeine; Phenyltoloxamine; Salicylamide
- Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine
- Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine
- Acetaminophen; Codeine
- Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan
- Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Doxylamine
- Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine
- Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine
- Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine
- Acetaminophen; Hydrocodone
- Acetaminophen; Oxycodone
- Acetaminophen; Pentazocine
- Acetaminophen; Propoxyphene
- Acetaminophen; Tramadol
- Acetazolamide
- Alfuzosin
- Aliskiren; Amlodipine; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ
- Aliskiren; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ
- Almotriptan
- Alteplase
- Amiloride
- Amiloride; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ
- Amiodarone
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline; Chlordiazepoxide
- Amlodipine; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Olmesartan
- Amlodipine; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Valsartan
- Amlodipine; Telmisartan
- Amoxicillin; Clarithromycin; Lansoprazole
- Amoxicillin; Clarithromycin; Omeprazole
- Amphetamines
- Amprenavir
- Anagrelide
- Antithrombin III
- Apalutamide
- Apixaban
- Apomorphine
- Aprepitant, Fosaprepitant
- Ardeparin
- Aripiprazole
- Armodafinil
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Artemether; Lumefantrine
- Asenapine
- Aspirin, ASA
- Aspirin, ASA; Butalbital; Caffeine
- Aspirin, ASA; Butalbital; Caffeine; Codeine
- Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine; Dihydrocodeine
- Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine; Orphenadrine
- Aspirin, ASA; Carisoprodol
- Aspirin, ASA; Carisoprodol; Codeine
- Aspirin, ASA; Citric Acid; Sodium Bicarbonate
- Aspirin, ASA; Dipyridamole
- Aspirin, ASA; Omeprazole
- Aspirin, ASA; Oxycodone
- Aspirin, ASA; Pravastatin
- Atazanavir
- Atazanavir; Cobicistat
- Atenolol; Chlorthalidone
- Atomoxetine
- Atropine; Benzoic Acid; Hyoscyamine; Methenamine; Methylene Blue; Phenyl Salicylate
- Atropine; Difenoxin
- Atropine; Diphenoxylate
- Azelastine; Fluticasone
- Azilsartan; Chlorthalidone
- Azithromycin
- Barbiturates
- Beclomethasone
- Bedaquiline
- Belladonna Alkaloids; Ergotamine; Phenobarbital
- Belladonna; Opium
- Benazepril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ
- Bendroflumethiazide; Nadolol
- Benzhydrocodone; Acetaminophen
- Benzoic Acid; Hyoscyamine; Methenamine; Methylene Blue; Phenyl Salicylate
- Betamethasone
- Betrixaban
- Bismuth Subcitrate Potassium; Metronidazole; Tetracycline
- Bismuth Subsalicylate
- Bismuth Subsalicylate; Metronidazole; Tetracycline
- Bisoprolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ
- Boceprevir
- Brimonidine; Timolol
- Brompheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin
- Brompheniramine; Guaifenesin; Hydrocodone
- Brompheniramine; Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine
- Budesonide
- Budesonide; Formoterol
- Bumetanide
- Bupivacaine; Lidocaine
- Buprenorphine
- Buprenorphine; Naloxone
- Bupropion
- Bupropion; Naltrexone
- Buspirone
- Caffeine; Ergotamine
- Candesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ
- Cangrelor
- Captopril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ
- Carbamazepine
- Carbinoxamine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine
- Carbinoxamine; Hydrocodone; Phenylephrine
- Carbinoxamine; Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine
- Carvedilol
- Cenobamate
- Ceritinib
- Cevimeline
- Chloramphenicol
- Chloroquine
- Chlorothiazide
- Chlorpheniramine; Codeine
- Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan
- Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine
- Chlorpheniramine; Dihydrocodeine; Phenylephrine
- Chlorpheniramine; Dihydrocodeine; Pseudoephedrine
- Chlorpheniramine; Guaifenesin; Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine
- Chlorpheniramine; Hydrocodone
- Chlorpheniramine; Hydrocodone; Phenylephrine
- Chlorpheniramine; Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine
- Chlorpromazine
- Chlorthalidone
- Chlorthalidone; Clonidine
- Choline Salicylate; Magnesium Salicylate
- Ciclesonide
- Cilostazol
- Cimetidine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Cisapride
- Clarithromycin
- Clofazimine
- Clomipramine
- Clopidogrel
- Clozapine
- Cobicistat
- Cocaine
- Codeine
- Codeine; Guaifenesin
- Codeine; Phenylephrine; Promethazine
- Codeine; Promethazine
- Corticosteroids
- Cortisone
- Crizotinib
- Cyproheptadine
- Dabigatran
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Darifenacin
- Darunavir
- Darunavir; Cobicistat
- Darunavir; Cobicistat; Emtricitabine; Tenofovir alafenamide
- Dasabuvir; Ombitasvir; Paritaprevir; Ritonavir
- Dasatinib
- Deflazacort
- Degarelix
- Delavirdine
- Desflurane
- Desipramine
- Desmopressin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Deutetrabenazine
- Dexamethasone
- Dexchlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine
- Dexmethylphenidate
- Dextromethorphan
- Dextromethorphan; Diphenhydramine; Phenylephrine
- Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin
- Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine
- Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate
- Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Pseudoephedrine
- Dextromethorphan; Promethazine
- Dextromethorphan; Quinidine
- Diazepam
- Dihydrocodeine; Guaifenesin; Pseudoephedrine
- Dihydroergotamine
- Diltiazem
- Diphenhydramine; Hydrocodone; Phenylephrine
- Dipyridamole
- Disopyramide
- Diuretics
- Dofetilide
- Dolasetron
- Dolutegravir; Rilpivirine
- Donepezil
- Donepezil; Memantine
- Dorzolamide; Timolol
- Doxepin
- Doxercalciferol
- Dronedarone
- Droperidol
- Duloxetine
- Dutasteride; Tamsulosin
- Edoxaban
- Efavirenz
- Efavirenz; Emtricitabine; Tenofovir
- Efavirenz; Lamivudine; Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
- Elagolix
- Elagolix; Estradiol; Norethindrone acetate
- Elbasvir; Grazoprevir
- Eletriptan
- Eliglustat
- Eltrombopag
- Elvitegravir; Cobicistat; Emtricitabine; Tenofovir Alafenamide
- Elvitegravir; Cobicistat; Emtricitabine; Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
- Emtricitabine; Rilpivirine; Tenofovir alafenamide
- Emtricitabine; Rilpivirine; Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
- Enalapril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ
- Encainide
- Encorafenib
- Enflurane
- Enoxaparin
- Entrectinib
- Enzalutamide
- Eprosartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ
- Eptifibatide
- Ergoloid Mesylates
- Ergonovine
- Ergot alkaloids
- Ergotamine
- Eribulin
- Erythromycin
- Erythromycin; Sulfisoxazole
- Escitalopram
- Eslicarbazepine
- Esomeprazole
- Esomeprazole; Naproxen
- Ethacrynic Acid
- Ethanol
- Etravirine
- Ezogabine
- Fedratinib
- Felbamate
- Fenofibric Acid
- Fentanyl
- Fingolimod
- Flecainide
- Fluconazole
- Fludrocortisone
- Flunisolide
- Fluoxetine
- Fluoxetine; Olanzapine
- Fluphenazine
- Fluticasone
- Fluticasone; Salmeterol
- Fluticasone; Umeclidinium; Vilanterol
- Fluticasone; Vilanterol
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Formoterol; Mometasone
- Fosamprenavir
- Foscarnet
- Fosinopril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ
- Frovatriptan
- Furosemide
- Gemifloxacin
- Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin
- Gilteritinib
- Glasdegib
- Goserelin
- Granisetron
- grapefruit juice
- Guaifenesin; Hydrocodone
- Guaifenesin; Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine
- Halofantrine
- Halogenated Anesthetics
- Haloperidol
- Halothane
- Heparin
- Histrelin
- Homatropine; Hydrocodone
- Hydralazine; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ
- Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ
- Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Irbesartan
- Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Lisinopril
- Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Losartan
- Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Methyldopa
- Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Metoprolol
- Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Moexipril
- Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Olmesartan
- Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Propranolol
- Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Quinapril
- Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Spironolactone
- Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Telmisartan
- Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Triamterene
- Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Valsartan
- Hydrocodone
- Hydrocodone; Ibuprofen
- Hydrocodone; Phenylephrine
- Hydrocodone; Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate
- Hydrocodone; Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate; Pseudoephedrine
- Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine
- Hydrocortisone
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Hydroxyzine
- Hyoscyamine; Methenamine; Methylene Blue; Phenyl Salicylate; Sodium Biphosphate
- Ibuprofen; Oxycodone
- Ibutilide
- Idelalisib
- Iloperidone
- Imipramine
- Indapamide
- Indinavir
- Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
- Isavuconazonium
- Isocarboxazid
- Isoflurane
- Isoniazid, INH
- Isoniazid, INH; Pyrazinamide, PZA; Rifampin
- Isoniazid, INH; Rifampin
- Itraconazole
- Ivosidenib
- Ketoconazole
- Lansoprazole
- Lansoprazole; Naproxen
- Lapatinib
- Lasmiditan
- Lefamulin
- Lenvatinib
- Letermovir
- Leuprolide
- Leuprolide; Norethindrone
- Levofloxacin
- Levomethadyl
- Levomilnacipran
- Levorphanol
- Lidocaine
- Lidocaine; Prilocaine
- Linezolid
- Lithium
- Lofexidine
- Long-acting beta-agonists
- Loperamide
- Loperamide; Simethicone
- Lopinavir; Ritonavir
- Lorcaserin
- Low Molecular Weight Heparins
- Luliconazole
- Lumacaftor; Ivacaftor
- Macimorelin
- Magnesium Salicylate
- Maprotiline
- Mefloquine
- Meperidine
- Meperidine; Promethazine
- Mesoridazine
- Methadone
- Methazolamide
- Methenamine; Sodium Acid Phosphate; Methylene Blue; Hyoscyamine
- Methyclothiazide
- Methylene Blue
- Methylergonovine
- Methylphenidate
- Methylprednisolone
- Methysergide
- Metolazone
- Metoprolol
- Metronidazole
- Mexiletine
- Midostaurin
- Mifepristone
- Milnacipran
- Mirtazapine
- Mitotane
- Modafinil
- Mometasone
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Morphine
- Morphine; Naltrexone
- Moxifloxacin
- Naproxen; Sumatriptan
- Naratriptan
- Nebivolol
- Nebivolol; Valsartan
- Nefazodone
- Nelfinavir
- Netupitant, Fosnetupitant; Palonosetron
- Nicardipine
- Nilotinib
- Nitroglycerin
- Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs
- Norfloxacin
- Nortriptyline
- Octreotide
- Ofloxacin
- Olanzapine
- Ombitasvir; Paritaprevir; Ritonavir
- Omeprazole
- Omeprazole; Amoxicillin; Rifabutin
- Omeprazole; Sodium Bicarbonate
- Ondansetron
- Oritavancin
- Osilodrostat
- Osimertinib
- Oxaliplatin
- Oxcarbazepine
- Oxycodone
- Ozanimod
- Paliperidone
- Palonosetron
- Panobinostat
- Paroxetine
- Pasireotide
- Pazopanib
- Pentamidine
- Pentazocine
- Pentazocine; Naloxone
- Pentosan
- Pergolide
- Perphenazine
- Perphenazine; Amitriptyline
- Phenelzine
- Phentermine
- Phentermine; Topiramate
- Phenylephrine; Promethazine
- Phenytoin
- Pimavanserin
- Pimozide
- Pirfenidone
- Pitolisant
- Posaconazole
- Prasugrel
- Prednisolone
- Prednisone
- Primaquine
- Procainamide
- Procarbazine
- Prochlorperazine
- Promethazine
- Propafenone
- Propoxyphene
- Propranolol
- Protriptyline
- Quetiapine
- Quinidine
- Quinine
- Rabeprazole
- Ranolazine
- Rasagiline
- Remifentanil
- Reteplase, r-PA
- Ribociclib
- Ribociclib; Letrozole
- Rifabutin
- Rifampin
- Rilpivirine
- Risperidone
- Ritonavir
- Rivaroxaban
- Rizatriptan
- Romidepsin
- Rucaparib
- Safinamide
- Salsalate
- Saquinavir
- Selegiline
- Selpercatinib
- Sertraline
- Sevoflurane
- Short-acting beta-agonists
- Sibutramine
- Simeprevir
- Siponimod
- Sodium picosulfate; Magnesium oxide; Anhydrous citric acid
- Solifenacin
- Sorafenib
- Sotalol
- Spironolactone
- St. John’s Wort, Hypericum perforatum
- Streptokinase
- Sufentanil
- Sumatriptan
- Sunitinib
- Tacrolimus
- Tamoxifen
- Tamsulosin
- Tapentadol
- Tedizolid
- Telaprevir
- Telavancin
- Telithromycin
- Telmisartan
- Telotristat Ethyl
- Tenecteplase
- Terbinafine
- Tetrabenazine
- Thiethylperazine
- Thioridazine
- Thrombin Inhibitors
- Thrombolytic Agents
- Ticagrelor
- Ticlopidine
- Timolol
- Tinzaparin
- Tipranavir
- Tirofiban
- Tolterodine
- Topiramate
- Toremifene
- Torsemide
- Tramadol
- Trandolapril; Verapamil
- Tranylcypromine
- Trazodone
- Triamcinolone
- Triamterene
- Trifluoperazine
- Trimipramine
- Triptorelin
- Urokinase
- Valerian, Valeriana officinalis
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- Vandetanib
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- Verapamil
- Vilazodone
- Vorapaxar
- Voriconazole
- Vorinostat
- Vortioxetine
- Warfarin
- Ziprasidone
- Zolmitriptan
- Zolpidem