Citalopram: a clear, practical guide
If you or someone you care about is starting citalopram, you probably want straight answers — not medical jargon. Citalopram (brand name Celexa) is a commonly prescribed SSRI used for depression and some anxiety disorders. It can help lift mood, reduce worry, and make sleep and daily routines easier to manage. Expect results slowly — most people notice changes after 2 to 4 weeks, with fuller benefit by 6 to 8 weeks.
Common side effects and safety
Most side effects are mild at first. Typical ones include nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness or trouble sleeping, sweating, and decreased sexual drive. These often fade in a few weeks. A few things need closer attention: citalopram can affect heart rhythm at higher doses, so doctors usually limit doses in older adults or people with heart problems. Also watch for signs of severe serotonin excess — high fever, agitation, tremor, sweating, fast heartbeat — and seek urgent care if those appear.
Never mix citalopram with MAO inhibitors without a safe gap — doing so risks serious reactions. Tell your doctor about other medicines you take, especially certain antifungals, some antibiotics, migraine drugs, and other antidepressants. Alcohol makes drowsiness and mood changes worse, so it's best to avoid or limit drinking while starting citalopram.
How to take it and what to watch for
Take citalopram once a day, with or without food. Some people feel sleepy and prefer evenings, others do better taking it in the morning. Start at the dose your prescriber sets and don’t increase it without talking to them. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it's almost time for the next one — don’t double up.
Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal-like symptoms: dizziness, electric-shock sensations, irritability, or flu-like aches. If you need to stop, your doctor will usually reduce the dose slowly over days to weeks to prevent those symptoms. If citalopram isn’t helping after several weeks, or side effects become troublesome, there are other options — different SSRIs, dosing changes, or therapy — so keep an open line with your prescriber.
Practical tips: keep a symptom diary for the first 8 weeks so you can tell your doctor what changed; carry a list of all meds and supplements; and get an EKG if you have heart disease or are on higher doses. Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk to your clinician — the risks and benefits are personal and should be discussed.
Want more details or article links on antidepressants and how to order them safely in Canada? Browse our posts tagged Citalopram on this site for dosing guides, interaction checklists, and patient-friendly tips.
