citalopram
Brand names: Citalopram
# Overview of Citalopram Citalopram is a medicine used to treat depression in adults. It works by helping balance chemicals in the brain called serotonin, which affect mood and emotions. When serotonin levels are low, people may feel sad, tired, or lose interest in things they normally enjoy. Citalopram can help improve these symptoms over time, but it usually takes a few weeks to start working. A doctor will prescribe the right dose based on each person's needs. While citalopram is helpful for many people, there are important safety rules to follow when taking it. You should never take citalopram if you're already taking certain other medications, especially drugs called MAOIs, because combining them can be dangerous and cause serious side effects. It's very important to tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and vitamins you're taking before starting citalopram. Some people may experience side effects like nausea, headaches, or sleep problems at first, but these often go away as your body gets used to the medicine. Always take citalopram exactly as your doctor tells you and talk to them if you have any concerns or problems while taking it.
Known Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 5 presents clinically important drug interactions with citalopram. Table 5: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Citalopram Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact Concomitant use of SSRIs, including citalopram, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention Citalopram is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) , Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Pimozide Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of citalopram with pimozide increases plasma concentrations of pimozide, a drug with a narrow therapeutic index, and may increase the risk of QT prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias compared to use of citalopram alone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. Intervention: Citalopram is contraindicated in patients taking pimozide [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Drugs that Prolong t
Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA
Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)
- FATIGUE8,928 reports
- NAUSEA8,212 reports
- DRUG INEFFECTIVE7,287 reports
- HEADACHE6,656 reports
- DIARRHOEA6,217 reports
- PAIN5,898 reports
- DIZZINESS5,704 reports
- FALL5,598 reports
- ANXIETY5,436 reports
- DYSPNOEA5,337 reports
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.
Check interactions with citalopram:
SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.