Celexa (Citalopram Hydrobromide)
Compared with: Blackmores Conceive Well Gold 28 Tablets + 28 Capsules

Celexa (Citalopram HBr) 20 mg tablets is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for major depressive disorder (MDD). It increases synaptic serotonin by inhibiting its reuptake transporter, leading to mood improvement; dosing begins at 20 mg once daily, titrated to a maximum of 40 mg, with dose‑dependent QT prolongation caution above 40 mg
FDA Access Data
Citalopram Hydrobromide – 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg film‑coated tablets
Citalopram (generic)

SSRI Antidepressant

Brand Variant: Celexa® (brand)

Comparative: Lexapro® (escitalopram) – S‑enantiomer of citalopram
Verywell Health
Citalopram selectively inhibits the serotonin transporter (SERT) on presynaptic neurons, preventing serotonin reuptake into the neuron and thereby enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system. It has minimal affinity for other receptors or transporters, resulting in a relatively favourable side‑effect profile
NCBI

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults
FDA Access Data

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder
Verywell Mind

Obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Off‑label for alcohol‑use disorder relapse prevention
NCBI

Population Initial Dose Titration Maximum Dose
Adults (MDD) 20 mg once daily Increase at ≥1‑week intervals 40 mg once daily (<60 years)
Elderly (≥60 years)/Hepatic or CYP2C19 Poor Metabolizers 20 mg once daily (max) — 20 mg once daily
QT‑Prolongation Risk (electrolyte disturbances, co‑medications) 20 mg once daily (max) — 20 mg once daily

Administration: Take once daily, morning or evening, with or without food.

Missed Dose: If ≤8 hours before next scheduled dose, take missed dose; otherwise, skip—do not double
MedlinePlus
Formulation: Film‑coated oral tablets

Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg

Route: Oral

Legal Status: Prescription Only Medicine (Rx‑only)
Pregnancy: Category C – Animal studies show risk; use only if benefit justifies risk.

Breastfeeding: Excreted in breast milk; monitor infant for sedation or feeding difficulties.

Pediatric: Not approved for <18 years—associated with increased suicidal ideation risk.

Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustment recommended.

Hepatic Impairment: Maximum 20 mg/day in moderate to severe impairment
FDA Access Data
Common (≥5 %):

Nausea, dry mouth, somnolence, insomnia, increased sweating
MPR

Headache, fatigue, diarrhea

QT prolongation and torsades de pointes (dose‑dependent risk >40 mg)
FDA Access Data

Serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic agents

Hyponatremia, especially in elderly

Suicidal thoughts in young adults (boxed warning)
QT Prolongation: Doses >40 mg/day not recommended; monitor ECG/electrolytes in high‑risk patients
FDA Access Data

Serotonin Syndrome: Avoid with MAO inhibitors; allow ≥14 days washout
FDA Access Data

Suicide Risk: Monitor for worsening depression or suicidal ideation, particularly during initial treatment or dose changes.

Discontinuation Syndrome: Taper gradually over several weeks to minimise withdrawal symptoms (dizziness, irritability, agitation).
Therapeutic Class: Antidepressant

Pharmacologic Class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

Legal Category: Prescription Only

Interacting Drug Class Interaction Effect Recommendation
MAO Inhibitors Risk of serotonin syndrome ≥14 days washout before switching
Other SSRIs / SNRIs / Triptans Serotonergic effects; serotonin syndrome Caution; monitor for symptoms
QT‑Prolonging Agents Additive QT prolongation risk Avoid combination if possible; monitor
CYP2C19 Inhibitors (cimetidine) ↑Citalopram levels; ↑QT risk Limit dose to 20 mg/day
Warfarin Possible altered INR Monitor INR closely
Major Studies: 12‑week trials demonstrated significantly greater improvement in HAM‑D scores versus placebo (mean difference ~5 points)
Mayo Clinic

QT Data: Thorough QT study found dose‑dependent QTc prolongation, supporting the 40 mg/day ceiling
FDA Access Data

FAQs – Celexa (Citalopram)
Q1. How soon will I feel better?
A: Initial symptom relief may occur within 1–2 weeks; full therapeutic effect often takes 4–6 weeks.

Q2. What if I miss a dose?
A: Take up to 8 hours before next dose; otherwise skip—do not double
MedlinePlus

Q3. Can I stop Celexa abruptly?
A: No. Gradual taper over weeks is recommended to avoid discontinuation syndrome.

Q4. Does Celexa cause weight gain?
A: Weight changes vary; some patients experience weight gain over long‑term use. Monitor weight regularly.

Q5. Is alcohol allowed?
A: Minimise alcohol—can exacerbate sedation, impair judgment, and worsen depression.

Q6. Can elderly patients take full dose?
A: Limit to 20 mg/day in those >60 years old due to reduced clearance and QT risk
FDA Access Data

Q7. Can Celexa treat anxiety?
A: Off‑label use in GAD and panic disorder is common, though not officially FDA‑approved
Verywell Mind

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