Get Informed: Citalopram
Active Ingredient(s)
Citalopram
What does it do?
This product is primarily used for the treatment of depression. It works by prolonging the effect of serotonin, an important chemical in the brain.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-21 9:26 AM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-20 9:02 PM
Other Names
- Celexa
- Citalopram
- Citalopram HBR
- Citalopram Hydrobromide
- Celapram
- Cipramil
- Talomil
- Celesta
- Feliz
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
- Please log in
- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when used in children, adolescents, and young adults with depression. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, the following national suicide hotlines are available in the U.S. to help you: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 17 Jul 1998
- Est US Patients*
- 3,839,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Citalopram or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Citalopram Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Citalopram interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Citalopram used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 25,500 patients that use Citalopram (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Depression | 79% | 
|
| Anxiety | 42% | 
|
| Bipolar Disorder | 6% |
|
| Menopausal Symptoms | 4% |
|
| Fibromyalgia | 4% |
|
| Chronic Fatigue | 4% | 
|
| Other | 8% |
|
How well does Citalopram work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 25,500 users taking Citalopram (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 87%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Citalopram outweigh the bad things.
- 6%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Citalopram.
Common Side Effects of Citalopram
iGuard regularly polls our more than 25,500 users taking Citalopram (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
23% of patients experience side-effects on Citalopram
3% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Citalopram
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Loss of Libido
-
Fatigue
-
Dizziness
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Anxiety, Constipation, Diarrhea, Drowsiness, Dryness, Erectile Problems, Grogginess/Confusion, Heat Sensitivity, Insomnia, Mood/Behavior Changes, Muscle Pain/Cramps, Nausea/Vomiting, Nose Bleeds, Tremor, Vivid Dreams, Weight Gain
Global Patient Feedback for Citalopram ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
My question is: My doctor prescribed 10 mg. Citalopram due to the fact I have no sex drive....I had an total hysterectomy in 2003...She feels that this medication can help me with my Libido..I've looked up many things and comments about this drug and cant back up why she wants me to take it....I'm very careful about the drugs I take..What is your opinion about my situation and I'm also taking estradiol...or is it a missed diagnosis?
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-19 07:50:26
Question/Comment:
I am a 67 year old mail and have been on Citalopram for 4 weeks now at 10mg and I am having daily headache along with muscle pain and nausea. I am tired all the time along with light headed and tingling all over. I phoned the Dr and he wants me to go to 20mg and with the way I feel I am putting this off for now. I am wondering if this will ever get better or will improve with a stronger dose.
67 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-08 19:55:20
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Citalopram for 1 1/2 years, and I really like how I feel on it. It wasn't easy at first. I'm sensitive to all meds, and I had to work my way up to that! With all those side effects, I'd make sure that that drug is the one for you. It doesn't sound right. Does this psychiatrist, a good psych. is the one you should be seeing for this, have your best interests at heart. Mine can't do enough to try and research and do his best to get me the very best. Good luck.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-09 08:21:24
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Typically your side effects will minimize as your body adjusts to the medication. You should discuss your concerns with your doctor regarding increasing your dose. If the symptoms worsen you should folloup with your prescribing doctor.
Posted: 2010-03-11 22:59:03
Question/Comment:
I have been on this medication for approximately 3 years and with the amount of medications that my doctor has had me on, I wish they had tried this one first. I have felt great and better mentally than I have felt in 30 years of my depression. Thanks!!!
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-07 17:50:27
Question/Comment:
I NO LONGER TAKE THEY SWITCHED TO VENLAFAXINE 37.5MG TWICE A DAY AND THEY WORK BETTER AND HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS.
52 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-07 11:35:07
Question/Comment:
What does the HBR stand for after the word CITALOPRAM?
Posted: 2010-03-03 21:56:27
iGuard Answer/Reply:
It stands for hydrobromide, which is part of the chemical compound that makes up citalopram.
Posted: 2010-03-05 12:16:41
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Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
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Patient Comments about
Citalopram