Prescription medicine
Citalopram Brand names: Celexa
Citalopram (Celexa) is a prescription medicine with an FDA approval on record since 1998. FDA's NDC Directory lists it from 35 generic labelers, and pharmacies paid $0.026 per citalopram hbr 10 mg tablet in the October 7, 2026 NADAC survey.
- Generic listed
- Boxed warning
Check it at the source: the citalopram FDA label on DailyMed (effective October 9, 2023, Allergan, Inc.); the NDA 20822 record on Drugs@FDA; every citalopram label on DailyMed.
Highlights of the record
FDA label of October 9, 2023; NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA and Orange Book, October 8, 2026; NADAC October 7, 2026
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 )]. WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal though t s and behaviors ( 5.1 ). CELEXA is not approved for use in pediatric patients ( 8.4 ).
Used for
From the label: indications and usageCELEXA is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )].
Forms and strengths
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
- 40 mg
- 10 mg/5ml
Film-coated tablet; tablet; solution; capsule.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- July 17, 1998 Celexa, Abbvie; Drugs@FDA’s file, where older or withdrawn approvals can be missing
- Generic approvals
- 33 first October 28, 2004; 12 with a marketed status in Drugs@FDA
- Labelers listed (NDC)
- 37 of which 35 under generic applications, 2 under brand applications, repackagers included
Supply and safety
- Pharmacy cost (NADAC)
- $0.026 per tablet Citalopram hbr 10 mg tablet
- Shortage (FDA)
- No current entry
- Recalls by its makers (FDA)
- 5 since 2012 0 Class I among all firms' recalls; latest January 26, 2022; 1 more by firms not listed as its makers
- FAERS reports
- 136,040 through July 30, 2026
What is citalopram used for?
From the label: indications and usageCELEXA 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 ).
Conditions named in the indications of citalopram's FDA labels, with every medicine labeled for each:
FDA pharmacologic class: Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor.
Source: FDA drug label (Celexa), NDA020822 (Abbvie), as published by Allergan, Inc., effective October 9, 2023 (SPL set 4259d9b1-de34-43a4-85a8-41dd214e9177), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the patient leaflet for citalopram say first?
The FDA-approved Medication Guide or Patient Information that comes with the medicine, in its own words.
From the patient leaflet: What is the most important information I should know about CELEXA?CELEXA may cause serious side effects, including: Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. CELEXA and other antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some children, adolescents, and young adults especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. CELEXA is not for use in children. Depression and other mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. How can I watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions in myself or a family member? Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings, or if you develop suicidal thoughts or actions. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed. Call your healthcare provider right away to report new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled. Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you or your family member have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: thoughts about suicide or dying new or worse depression feeling very agitated or restless trouble sleeping (insomnia) acting aggressive, being angry, or violent an extreme increase in activity or talking (mania) attempts to commit suicide new or worse anxiety acting on dangerous impulses panic attacks new or worse irritability other unusual changes in behavior or mood
From the patient leaflet: How should I store CELEXA?Store CELEXA at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep CELEXA and all medicines out of the reach of children.
Source: FDA drug label (Celexa), NDA020822 (Abbvie), as published by Allergan, Inc., effective October 9, 2023 (SPL set 4259d9b1-de34-43a4-85a8-41dd214e9177), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
Is there a generic for citalopram (Celexa)?
The FDA approved the first generic citalopram on October 28, 2004. 33 generic applications are approved; 12 of them carry a current (not discontinued) marketing status in Drugs@FDA; that status is not evidence that the generic is on sale.
FDA's NDC Directory lists citalopram from 35 labelers under a generic (ANDA) application and from 2 brand labelers. A listing means the company has registered the product for sale; it does not show that every pharmacy stocks it.
- 1998 earliest approval on file
- 2004 first generic approved
- red ticks recalls
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory and the Orange Book (openFDA bulk files, October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay for citalopram (Celexa)?
In CMS's NADAC survey of October 7, 2026, pharmacies paid $0.026 per Citalopram hbr 10 mg tablet, up 6% from $0.0246 on October 8, 2025. Prices per unit in the table differ many-fold by strength, form and brand, so compare like with like. The chart's scale runs from the lowest to the highest price shown, not from zero. NADAC is what retail pharmacies paid their wholesalers, per unit, in CMS's monthly survey; what a patient pays depends on insurance and the pharmacy.
- Citalopram hbr 10 mg tablet (generic)
- Celexa 20 mg tablet (brand)
| Strength and form | Brand or generic | Pharmacy cost | 30 tablets, or one pen or vial | 12-month change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citalopram hbr 10 mg tablet | Generic | $0.026 per tablet | $0.781 | +6% |
| Citalopram hbr 10 mg/5 mL solution | Generic | $0.180 per mL | n/a | -2% |
| Citalopram hbr 20 mg tablet | Generic | $0.0296 per tablet | $0.888 | -3% |
| Citalopram hbr 30 mg capsule | Generic | $4.77 per capsule many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why | $143.10 | -8% |
| Citalopram hbr 40 mg tablet | Generic | $0.0414 per tablet | $1.24 | -8% |
| Celexa 20 mg tablet | Brand | $9.01 per tablet many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why | $270.28 | -0.4% |
| Celexa 40 mg tablet | Brand | $9.47 per tablet many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why | $284.07 | no change |
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price
Has citalopram been recalled?
The FDA's Enforcement Report lists 6 recalls naming citalopram since 2012: 0 Class I (the most serious), 5 Class II, 1 Class III; 0 still ongoing. 1 of them is by a firm that FDA's NDC Directory does not list as a maker of citalopram and that holds no application for it in Drugs@FDA, such as compounding pharmacies or bulk-ingredient suppliers; the recall notice names the product recalled. A recall names products and lots, not every product of the medicine.
| Started | Class | Company | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 26, 2022 | Class II | CARDINAL HEALTHCARE | CGMP Deviations: Products were exposed to temperatures outside of the products labeled storage conditions. |
| September 9, 2020 | Class III | PAI Holdings, LLC. dba Pharmaceutical Associates Inc | Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications; high out of specification results obtained at the 9 month stability timepoint |
| July 2, 2013 | Class II | Aidapak Services, LLC not a listed maker | Labeling:Label Mixup; CITALOPRAM Tablet, 10 mg may be potentially mislabeled as OXYBUTYNIN CHLORIDE, Tablet, 5 mg, NDC 00603497521, Pedigree: AD52778_61, EXP … |
| August 1, 2012 | Class II | Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc. | Chemical Contamination: The product is being recalled due to complaints reporting a strong garlic odor or strong chemical smell. |
Source: FDA Enforcement Report (drug recalls) via openFDA, through October 8, 2026
What does the citalopram label say about other medicines?
The citalopram label names 20 other medicines in its interaction, contraindication or warning sections. The labels of 16 other medicines name citalopram. The sentences are the labels' own; a label lists what its studies and reports found, not every interaction.
| Medicine named | Section | What the label says |
|---|---|---|
| Amiodarone | warnings and precautions | Such drugs include Class 1A (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications, antipsychotic medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine), antibiotics (e.g., gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin), or any other class of medications known to prolong the QTc interval (e.g. … |
| Aspirin | warnings and precautions | In cr eased Risk of Bleeding: Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin and other anticoagulants may increase this risk ( 5.4 ). |
| Buspirone | drug interactions | Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of CELEXA and other serotonergic drugs (…) increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention: Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during CELEXA initiation and dosage increases. … |
| Chlorpromazine | warnings and precautions | Such drugs include Class 1A (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications, antipsychotic medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine), antibiotics (e.g., gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin), or any other class of medications known to prolong the QTc interval (e.g. … |
| Cimetidine | warnings and precautions | The maximum dose should be limited to 20 mg once daily in patients who are CYP2C19 poor metabolizers or those patients receiving concomitant cimetidine or another CYP2C19 inhibitor, since higher citalopram exposures would be expected. |
| Fentanyl | warnings and precautions | The risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, meperidine, methadone, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. … |
| Gatifloxacin | warnings and precautions | Such drugs include Class 1A (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications, antipsychotic medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine), antibiotics (e.g., gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin), or any other class of medications known to prolong the QTc interval (e.g. … |
| Linezolid | contraindications | CONTRAINDICATIONS CELEXA is contraindicated in patients: taking, or within 14 days of stopping, MAOIs (including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue) because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. … |
| Lithium | drug interactions | Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of CELEXA and other serotonergic drugs (…) increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention: Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during CELEXA initiation and dosage increases. … |
| Meperidine | warnings and precautions | The risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, meperidine, methadone, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. … |
| Methadone | warnings and precautions | … any other class of medications known to prolong the QTc interval (e.g., pentamidine, levomethadyl acetate, methadone). |
| Methylene blue | contraindications | CONTRAINDICATIONS CELEXA is contraindicated in patients: taking, or within 14 days of stopping, MAOIs (including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue) because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. … |
| Moxifloxacin | warnings and precautions | Such drugs include Class 1A (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications, antipsychotic medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine), antibiotics (e.g., gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin), or any other class of medications known to prolong the QTc interval (e.g. … |
| Pimozide | contraindications | … increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. taking pimozide because of risk of QT prolongation [ see Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. with known hypersensitivity to citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients in CELEXA. |
Every other medicine the citalopram label names
| Medicine named | Section | What the label says |
|---|---|---|
| Procainamide | warnings and precautions | Such drugs include Class 1A (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications, antipsychotic medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine) … |
| Quinidine | warnings and precautions | Such drugs include Class 1A (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications, antipsychotic medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine) … |
| Sotalol | warnings and precautions | Such drugs include Class 1A (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications, antipsychotic medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine) … |
| Thioridazine | warnings and precautions | … antiarrhythmic medications, antipsychotic medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine), antibiotics (e.g., gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin), or any other class of medications known to prolong the QTc … |
| Tramadol | warnings and precautions | The risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, meperidine, methadone, tryptophan, buspirone … |
| Warfarin | drug interactions | Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of CELEXA and an antiplatelet or anticoagulant may potentiate the risk of bleeding. … of CELEXA and antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio [ see Warning and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. … |
Other labels that name citalopram
Source: FDA drug label (Celexa), NDA020822 (Abbvie), as published by Allergan, Inc., effective October 9, 2023 (SPL set 4259d9b1-de34-43a4-85a8-41dd214e9177), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What do FAERS reports show for citalopram?
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System holds 136,040 reports that list citalopram among the medicines taken, through July 30, 2026, each a report of something that happened, not proof the medicine caused it; 18,996 are coded as a death and 45,958 as a hospital stay. Counts follow how widely a medicine is used and watched, and they are not a measure of how risky it is.
Reports received each year
The most reported reactions
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) via openFDA, reports through July 30, 2026
What else is labeled for the same conditions as citalopram?
30 other medicines are given the same way (oral) and in the same FDA class as citalopram or labeled mainly for the same use (depression), the same class first. Depression lists all 37 medicines labeled for it, by any route. The first 8 are below. They are listed as records, not as substitutes: whether one can replace another is a prescriber's decision.
| Medicine | Shared indication | Generic labelers (oral) | Pharmacy cost | Shortage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoxetine | Depression | 59 labelers | $0.0519 per capsule 40 mg capsule | No current entry |
| Sertraline | Depression | 48 labelers | $0.0507 per tablet 100 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Paroxetine | Depression | 45 labelers | $0.0611 per tablet 20 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Trazodone | Depression | 38 labelers | $0.0307 per tablet 50 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Escitalopram | Depression | 44 labelers | $0.0632 per tablet 20 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Fluoxetine and olanzapine | Depression | 3 labelers | $3.44 per unit 3-25 mg | No current entry |
| Nefazodone | Depression | 2 labelers | $1.17 per tablet 100 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Bupropion | Depression | 73 labelers | $0.0785 per tablet 150 mg tablet | No current entry |
Every medicine labeled for the same conditions as citalopram
Source: FDA drug labels (indications), NDC Directory, NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages (October 8, 2026)
How does citalopram compare with medicines for the same use?
12 side-by-side pages set citalopram beside a medicine whose label shares a use: approvals, generics, pharmacy cost, warnings and supply.
What next?
- Alternatives to citalopram
- 30 medicines for the same use
- Other serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- the pharmacologic class, with prices and generics
- Citalopram side effects
- the label's list beside FAERS reports
- Check an interaction
- what two or more labels say about each other