Citalopram is used to treat depression. Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.
What is citalopram?
Citalopram is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs are the antidepressants prescribed most often.
Citalopram is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by increasing the levels of a chemical called serotonin which can help lift your mood. Read more about antidepressants and SSRIs.
Dose
In Aotearoa New Zealand citalopram is available as tablets (20 mg).
- The dose of citalopram will be different for different people.
- Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and if needed, will increase your dose slowly. This allows your body to get used to the medicine and reduces side effects.
- Always take your citalopram exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much citalopram to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
How to take citalopram
- Take citalopram once a day, in the morning OR the evening. Take your dose at the same time each day.
- You can take citalopram with or without food but if you think it is upsetting your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take it at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
- Keep taking citalopram every day. It may take 4 to 6 weeks before you notice the full benefits of citalopram and you should start to feel better after 1 to 2 weeks. Some people feel worse in the first few weeks before they feel better. Citalopram is needed for at least a few months and your doctor will tell you how long to take it for.
- If you think citalopram is not working for you. Do not stop taking it suddenly; talk to your doctor or nurse before stopping. It is usually best to stop taking citalopram very slowly to avoid side effects.
Things to consider while you are taking citalopram
- Limit alcohol intake while you are taking citalopram. Alcohol can increase your chance of side effects such as drowsiness and impaired concentration.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Citalopram can interact with some medications (including anticoagulants and NSAIDs), herbal supplements (such as St John's Wort), and recreational drugs, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting fluoxetine and before starting any new products.
- If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood glucose more often because citalopram can affect the levels of glucose in your blood.
Possible side effects of citalopram
Like all medicines, citalopram can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product. |
Learn more
The following links provide further information on citalopram.
Citalopram Patient Information (Māori) NZ Formulary, NZ
Citalopram (PSM) Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet, NZ
References
- Citalopram NZ Formulary, NZ, 2022
- Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors NZ Formulary, NZ, 2022
- The role of medicines in the management of depression in primary care BPAC, NZ, 2017
- Sexual Dysfunction Associated with Antidepressants and Antipsychotics Medsafe, NZ, 2015
Additional resources for healthcare professionals
Citalopram (PSM) Medsafe Product Information, NZ
Reminder – citalopram and QT prolongation Medsafe, NZ, 2015
Citalopram and escitalopram – same but different handout SafeRx, Waitemata, NZ, 2019