Citalopram & Major Depressive Disorder

Citalopram is one of several antidepressant medications available on the market today. Understanding how it works and the potential side effects will help you determine whether this medication may be right in treating your symptoms of depression.

Brand Name vs. Generic

• Citalopram is available under one brand name, Celexa. There is no difference between the effectiveness of the brand name versus a generic prescription for citalopram.

Function

• Citalopram affects the flow of neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain. Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which maintains an optimal level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the most common neurotransmitters linked to chemical imbalances causing depression, generally from low levels or lack of receptors for the chemical.

Intended Use

• Citalopram is most commonly prescribed for depression. It may also be prescribed to treat obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Forms and Dosage

• Citalopram is most often prescribed as an oral medication in 10, 20 and 40 mg tablets. It may also be administered intravenously at 10 mg/5 ml.

Side Effects

• The most common side effects of taking citalopram are dry mouth, nausea, trouble sleeping, dizziness, increased sweating and blurred vision.

  While there are other potentially serious side effects, they are not common. For a full listing of side effects, WebMD provides a comprehensive list.