Two medicines, side by side
Citalopram vs fluvoxamine
Citalopram is labeled for depression; fluvoxamine has no indication this site maps. Their labels share no use, so they are not alternatives to each other. Drugs@FDA records approvals of citalopram since 1998 and of fluvoxamine since 1994. Pharmacies paid $0.026 per citalopram hbr 10 mg tablet and $4.08 per fluvoxamine ER 100 mg capsule (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. How each works, in its label's words: Citalopram, “The mechanism of action of citalopram is unclear, but is presumed to be related to potentiation of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system (CNS) resulting from its inhibition of CNS …”; Fluvoxamine, “The mechanism of action of fluvoxamine maleate in obsessive compulsive disorder is presumed to be linked to its specific serotonin reuptake inhibition in brain neurons.”
Check it at the source: the citalopram FDA label on DailyMed (effective October 9, 2023); the fluvoxamine FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 27, 2026).
Highlights of the citalopram record
Citalopram (Celexa) · label of October 9, 2023
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short -term studies. Closely m onitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. CELEXA is not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )].
Used for
From the label: indicationsCELEXA is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. CELEXA is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults ( 1 ).
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- July 17, 1998
- Generic labelers
- 35 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.026 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 5
Highlights of the fluvoxamine record
Fluvoxamine (Luvox) · label of June 27, 2026
WARNING: SUICIDALITY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of fluvoxamine maleate extended-release capsules or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need.
Used for
From the label: indicationsFluvoxamine maleate extended-release capsules are a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) ( 1 ). Efficacy was demonstrated in: One 12-week study with fluvoxamine maleate extended-release capsules in adults ( 14.1 ). […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 5, 1994
- Generic labelers
- 16 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $4.08 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Citalopram label of October 9, 2023, Fluvoxamine label of June 27, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do citalopram and fluvoxamine differ on the record?
How each works, in its label's words: Citalopram, “The mechanism of action of citalopram is unclear, but is presumed to be related to potentiation of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system (CNS) resulting from its inhibition of CNS …”; Fluvoxamine, “The mechanism of action of fluvoxamine maleate in obsessive compulsive disorder is presumed to be linked to its specific serotonin reuptake inhibition in brain neurons.”
Both are in FDA's class serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Half-life, in each label's words: Citalopram, “Biotransformation of citalopram is mainly hepatic, with a mean terminal half-life of about 35 hours.”; Fluvoxamine, “After administration of a 100 mg, single oral dose of fluvoxamine maleate extended-release capsules, the mean plasma …”
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: citalopram since 2004; fluvoxamine since 2000 (Drugs@FDA).
| Citalopram | Fluvoxamine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Depression | n/a |
| Pharmacologic class | Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor | Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor |
| How it works (label) | The mechanism of action of citalopram is unclear, but is presumed to be related to potentiation of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system (CNS) resulting from its inhibition of CNS neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT). | The mechanism of action of fluvoxamine maleate in obsessive compulsive disorder is presumed to be linked to its specific serotonin reuptake inhibition in brain neurons. |
| Half-life (label) | Biotransformation of citalopram is mainly hepatic, with a mean terminal half-life of about 35 hours. | After administration of a 100 mg, single oral dose of fluvoxamine maleate extended-release capsules, the mean plasma half-life of fluvoxamine in healthy male and female volunteers was 16.3 hours. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | July 17, 1998 | December 5, 1994 |
| First generic approved | October 28, 2004 | November 29, 2000 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 35 labelers | 16 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.026 per tablet (Citalopram hbr 10 mg tablet) | $4.08 per capsule (Fluvoxamine ER 100 mg capsule) |
| 12-month price change | +6% | -21% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 5 | 0 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 136,040 | 2,391 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Citalopram label, drug interactionsConcomitant use of CELEXA and other serotonergic drugs (including other SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, buspirone, amphetamines, tryptophan, and St. John's Wort) increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Fluvoxamine label, drug interactionsAs with other serotonergic drugs, lithium may enhance the serotonergic effects of fluvoxamine and, therefore, the combination should be used with caution.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to citalopram
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions