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:
- 2009-Nov-20 6:59 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-20 6:52 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*
- 3,857,000
- 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.org is currently tracking more than 22,600 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 | 77% | 
|
| Anxiety | 34% |
|
| Bipolar Disorder | 11% |
|
| Osteoarthritis | 3% |
|
| Insomnia | 2% |
|
| Premenstrual Syndrome | 2% |
|
| Other | 8% |
|
How well does Citalopram work?
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 22,600 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)
- 84%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Citalopram outweigh the bad things.
- 17%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Citalopram.
Common Side Effects of Citalopram
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 22,600 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.
43% of patients experience side-effects on Citalopram
6% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Citalopram
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Fatigue
-
Drowsiness
-
Loss of Libido
-
Dry Mouth
-
Headache
-
Weight Gain
-
Mood/Behavior Changes
-
Sexual Problems
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Altered Taste, Anxiety, Depression, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Dryness, Grogginess/Confusion, Heartburn/Reflux, Increased Appetite, Insomnia, Memory/Speech Problems, Nausea/Vomiting, Sweating, Tremor, Vivid Dreams, Weight Loss
Global Patient Feedback for Citalopram ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I am a 45 year old and Celexa has been a life savor for me I was taken off of it to be put on something else but had to go back to the celexa come to find out it is the only one to help with the bladder spasms I have.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-11-20 03:34:05
Question/Comment:
Is there a difference between the generic or brand name that anyone has noticed? I know sometimes there is a difference.
26 year old Female
Posted: 2009-11-14 14:28:18
Question/Comment:
Does anyone have a problem with feeling tired or lazy? I just feel like I don't have a lot of motivation but otherwise it's good.
26 year old Female
Posted: 2009-11-14 14:27:00
Question/Comment:
I've been on citalopram (the generic for Celexa) for several months & recently have developed some edema in my feet & ankles. A friend told me she had a friend who had this happen & it turned-out to be a reaction to an antidepressant she was on. I'm going to see my doc about this, since it could well be caused by something else, but just wanted to see if anyone else has had a similar experience. Thanks!
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-20 09:32:30
Question/Comment:
has anyone out there on celexa had excessive urination. I can't seem to stop peeing. I am on 20mg for 2 1/2 weeks. Didn't know if something else was going on.
40 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-15 10:29:40
Answer/Reply:
I've noticed this with various antidepressants I've been on, including the Celexa I'm currently taking. It's annoying; just depends on how bad it is for an individual as to whether it's bad enough to warrant discontinuing (weaning off of course, w/ your doc's knowledge) the med.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-20 09:27:05
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
There are no reports of excessive urination by iGuard members who take Celexa and this side effect currently is not listed in the prescribing information for Celexa. Please follow up with your doctor for an evaluation of what might be causing this symptom.
Posted: 2009-10-20 11:12:53
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
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