Citalopram

Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 3/28/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

The use of citalopram has been shown to cause side effects in some patients.

Common mild side effects of citalopram use include:

• Nausea
  
• Heartburn
  
• Dry mouth
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Insomnia
  
• Vomiting
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Muscle weakness
  
• Increased sweating
  
• Frequent urination
  
• Tremors
  
• Insomnia
  
• Weight changes (either gain or loss)
  
• Changes in appetite
  
• Sexual dysfunction (such as decreased libido or difficulty achieving orgasm)
  
• Heavy menstrual periods
  
• Cold symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Suicidal thoughts or behavior (especially in young adults)
  
• Serotonin syndrome (symptoms may include confusion, hallucinations, fever, sweating, rapid heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
  
• Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
  
• Irregular heartbeats
  
• Seizures
  
• Easy bruising or bleeding
  
• Low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia)
  
  

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any severe symptoms while taking citalopram. If you experience mild side effects that become severe or do not go away after a few days, speak to a healthcare provider right away.

Tell your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking before starting treatment with citalopram. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with this drug.

Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or supplements:

• Cardiovascular medications
  
• CNS stimulants
  
• Anticoagulants
  
• NSAIDs
  
• Antiepileptic drugs
  
• Antibiotics
  
• Antidepressants
  
• Antipsychotics
  
• Antiemetics
  
• Pain management drugs
  
• Antivirals/Anti-infectives
  
• Opioid replacement therapy
  
• Heart rhythm medications
  
• GERD medications
  
• Diuretics
  
• Procainamide
  
• Quinidine
  
• Sedatives
  
• Tranquilizers
  
  

You should also mention medical conditions such as:

• Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
  
• Seizures or epilepsy
  
• Bleeding or clotting disorders
  
• Liver or kidney disease
  
• Heart problems
  
• History of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts
  
• Closed-angle glaucoma
  
  

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using citalopram to assess potential risks and benefits.

You can take citalopram with or without food. However, to maintain a consistent level in your bloodstream, try to take it at the same time each day.

Avoid alcohol while taking citalopram, as it can worsen certain side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.

Your healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring of your blood pressure and heart rate while taking citalopram, especially during the first few months of treatment.

Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions regarding the use of citalopram with food, beverages, and other medications. It's essential to follow their guidance to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and minimize the risk of side effects.

The symptoms of a citalopram overdose include:

• Severe drowsiness
  
• Rapid heartbeat
  
• Tremors
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Seizures
  
• Coma
  
  

If you experience any of these symptoms, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. If an individual has collapsed, is having seizures, or is unresponsive, call 9-1-1 immediately.