Brand Names:

Celexa

What is it?

Citalopram increases a substance in the brain (serotonin) which improves the symptoms associated with depression.

What’s In It For Me?

A number of symptoms are common in depression, and may include a depressed mood, decreased interest in daily activities, weight loss or gain, sleep problems, fatigue and problems thinking. Depression can also lead to suicide. Citalopram helps to alleviate these symptoms and improve the depressed mood.

The Good

Citalopram is significantly better than a sugar pill at improving symptoms in patients who are depressed. It also has a low incidence of side effects and drug interactions. It is also safe following an overdose.

The Bad

Citalopram, like every antidepressant, takes a significant amount of time to work (4-8 weeks). It is not free of adverse effects and make cause sleepiness, nausea and sexual problems.

The Controversial

Some reports suggest that antidepressants in this class are associated with an increased risk of suicide. Recently, more thorough reviews of this issue have found no greater risk with this class when compared to other antidepressant classes or sugar pills.

Fact Boxes

For The Cynic

Only 60-70% of patients will respond to antidepressants, and only 30-40% will have a complete remission. In clinical studies 25-30% of patients on sugar pills for depression will respond. In fact, antidepressants have their most significant activity in severely depressed patients.

The Cost

Citalopram is available as a generic drug, so if you have a generic/brand copay, it will be cheaper.  It is on the $4 list for the pharmacies that have a $4 list. Citalopram gets a 4 star rating because it is as effective as other antidepressants and inexpensive.

Citalopram is a good choice for patients starting on an antidepressant.