citalopram
Brand names: Celexa
Citalopram is a medicine used to treat depression in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Drug Pricing (NADAC)
Brand Price
$9.06/unit
Generic Price
$0.02/unit
Generic Savings
100%
Generic Available
Yes (11 manufacturers)
Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →
What it does
Citalopram is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
Common side effects
Ejaculation disorder (mostly delayed ejaculation)
Key warnings
Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults.
How It Works
Citalopram works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that helps regulate mood. By blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, citalopram helps to improve communication between nerve cells and stabilize mood.
How to Take It
Take citalopram once a day, with or without food. The starting dose is usually 20 mg per day. After one week, your doctor may increase the dose to a maximum of 40 mg per day. Do not take more than 40 mg per day, as it can cause heart problems.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Taking citalopram late in pregnancy may cause problems for the newborn. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medicine while pregnant. There is a pregnancy registry to monitor outcomes, call 1-844-405-6185 to register.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Storage
Store citalopram at room temperature (68° to 77°F).
Side Effects (from patient reports)
Based on 65,269 FDA adverse event reports.
FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis
Detailed analysis of 133,513 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 2002–2025.
Total Reports
133,513
Death-Related Reports
18,674
Hospitalization Reports
45,226
Top Indication
Product Used For Unknown Indication
Gender Distribution
Age Distribution
Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)
| # | Reaction | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FATIGUE | 8,930 |
| 2 | NAUSEA | 8,210 |
| 3 | DRUG INEFFECTIVE | 7,286 |
| 4 | HEADACHE | 6,656 |
| 5 | DIARRHOEA | 6,218 |
| 6 | PAIN | 5,898 |
| 7 | DIZZINESS | 5,705 |
| 8 | FALL | 5,602 |
| 9 | ANXIETY | 5,436 |
| 10 | DYSPNOEA | 5,337 |
| 11 | DEPRESSION | 5,214 |
| 12 | OFF LABEL USE | 5,155 |
| 13 | TOXICITY TO VARIOUS AGENTS | 5,061 |
| 14 | VOMITING | 4,951 |
| 15 | DRUG INTERACTION | 4,348 |
Reactions in Death Reports
Reactions in Hospitalization Reports
Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation
Serious Warnings
Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults. Your doctor will monitor you closely for worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. Citalopram is not approved for use in children.
Known Drug Interactions
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) ] .
Mechanism: Linezolid acts like a special type of medicine called an MAO inhibitor, which can cause a dangerous buildup of a brain chemical called serotonin when mixed with citalopram.
What to do: You should not take these two medicines together.
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) ]. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use of citalopram with drugs that prolong the QT interval (citalopram is contraindicated in patients taking pimozide) [see Con...
Mechanism: Citalopram increases the amount of pimozide in your blood, which can lead to dangerous heart rhythm problems.
What to do: This combination is not allowed and must be avoided.
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 6 presents clinically important drug interactions with escitalopram. TABLE 6 Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Escitalopram Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of SSRIs, including escitalopram, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention: Escitalopram is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7) , Contraindications (4) , and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Pimozide Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of...
Mechanism: These two drugs are nearly identical, so taking them together is like taking a double dose of the same medicine.
What to do: You should not take these two medications together.
For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio [see Warning and Precautions (5.4) ].
Mechanism: Citalopram can change how warfarin works in your body, which may affect how quickly your blood is able to clot.
What to do: Your doctor should closely monitor your blood clotting levels, also known as the INR, while you are taking both of these medications.
Drug Interactions In patients receiving nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors in combination with serotoninergic agents (e.g., dexfenfluramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, citalopram, venlafaxine) there have been reports of serious, sometimes fatal, reactions.
Mechanism: Combining these drugs can cause too much serotonin to build up in your system. This can lead to very serious side effects that may be fatal.
What to do: This combination should be avoided. Your healthcare provider will need to manage the timing of these medications carefully.
Common Questions
Can I take citalopram with other medications?
How long does it take for citalopram to work?
Can I stop taking citalopram suddenly?
What should I do if I experience side effects?
Can citalopram cause weight gain?
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking citalopram?
Can citalopram affect my sleep?
Will citalopram change my personality?
Can I drive while taking citalopram?
What if I still feel depressed after taking citalopram for a while?
What are the common side effects of citalopram?
Does citalopram interact with other medications?
What drug class is citalopram?
Is there a generic version of citalopram?
Is citalopram safe during pregnancy?
Related Medications in Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Other drugs grouped near citalopram — same-class peers and common alternatives.
acamprosate
Campral
Acamprosate is a medicine that can help you stay away from alcohol if you are alcohol-dependent and have already stopped drinking.
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alprazolam
Xanax
Alprazolam (Xanax) is a medication that can help you with anxiety and panic disorders.
Compare with citalopram →
amitriptyline
Elavil
Amitriptyline is a medicine used to treat depression.
Compare with citalopram →
amphetamine/dextroamphetamine
Adderall, Adderall XR
Adderall XR is a stimulant medicine.
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aripiprazole
Abilify
Aripiprazole (Abilify) is a medicine used to treat certain mental disorders and mood problems.
Compare with citalopram →
Medication Guides
Understanding Drug Interactions
How CYP450 enzymes, inhibitors, and inducers affect your medications
Generic vs Brand Name Drugs
FDA requirements, cost savings, and when the difference matters
Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs
Why some drugs demand precise dosing and monitoring
Common Drug Interactions
Dangerous medication combinations and how to protect yourself
Related Health & Safety Data
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What the FDA Data Shows for citalopram
The FDA label for citalopram (sold under brand names such as Celexa) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) class. Citalopram is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Official labeling lists 1 commonly reported side effect, including Ejaculation disorder (mostly delayed ejaculation).
Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 65,269 voluntary reports. The database also lists 9 documented drug interactions derived from FDA labeling, with the top-flagged interaction rated major severity. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $0.02 versus $9.06 for the brand — a 100% generic savings.
Report counts do not establish causation — a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history, and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Data Sources
Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC).
FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.
Last updated: April 30, 2025
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
All federal data sources used on this page
- FDA Orange Book — approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence. accessdata.fda.gov/cder/ob
- FDA DailyMed — NIH-hosted drug labeling for FDA-approved meds. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) — post-marketing safety surveillance. fda.gov/drugs/faers
- NLM RxNorm — standardized clinical drug nomenclature. nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm
- CMS Medicare Part B Drug Average Sales Price Files — federal drug pricing data. cms.gov/medicare/part-b-drugs/asp
- FDA Drug Shortages Database — current and resolved drug shortage tracking. accessdata.fda.gov/drugshortages