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Citalopram is a prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used for major depressive disorder in adults. Tablets are taken once daily with or without food. Common strengths include 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. Current U.S. labeling does not approve citalopram for pediatric patients.
read more about citalopram ...The exact antidepressant mechanism of citalopram is unclear. Its activity is presumed to result from inhibition of neuronal serotonin reuptake in the central nervous system, which increases serotonergic activity. Citalopram has minimal effects on norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake compared with its effect on serotonin.
Citalopram is approved for treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. Before treatment, patients are screened for personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania. Current U.S. labeling states that citalopram is not approved for pediatric patients.
The recommended starting dose is 20 mg once daily. It can increase after at least one week to a maximum of 40 mg once daily. Adults older than 60, patients with liver impairment, CYP2C19 poor metabolizers, and patients taking a CYP2C19 inhibitor have a recommended maximum of 20 mg once daily.
Citalopram carries a boxed warning for increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Other serious risks include dose-related QT prolongation, torsade de pointes, serotonin syndrome, bleeding, mania or hypomania, seizures, angle-closure glaucoma, low sodium, and withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation.
Yes. Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
Citalopram is taken once daily with or without food.
The general adult maximum is 40 mg once daily due the risk of QT prolongation at higher doses.
Yes. Citalopram can prolong the QT interval and has been linked to torsade de pointes and ventricular arrhythmias.
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Citalopram. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/citalopram. Date Accessed September 22, 2026.
Citalopram. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482222/. Date Accessed September 22, 2026.
DailyMed - CITALOPRAM tablet, film coated. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=825c0c49-5fbf-6d8b-cb8c-94ebf0eda043. Date Accessed September 22, 2026.