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Increase Your Awareness with Basic Facts about Citalopram (Celexa®)
Nikki and Anne Heart ♥ February 24, 2026
Picture displayed is a general pill and should not be used as a pill identifier.
The following highlights the facts. More information can be obtained through the sites listed below as well as many other informational sites regarding prescription drugs. Medication facts can change. Make sure you have all up-to-date information.
Basic Information YOU Need to Know
Citalopram, US Brand name: Celexa®
Citalopram is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Citalopram is approved to treat:
- Major Depression Disorder (MDD)
Citalopram may also be used to treat
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (bothersome thoughts that won’t go away and the need to perform certain actions over and over)
- eating disorders
- alcoholism
- panic disorder (condition that causes sudden attacks of extreme fear with no apparent cause)
- premenstrual dysphoric disorder (a group of physical and emotional symptoms that occur before the menstrual period each month)
- social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life)
- posttraumatic stress disorder
- tingling in the hands and feet caused by diabetes
- certain male sexual problems
Possible side effects of Citalopram:
- nausea
- drowsiness
- sexual problems in males; decreased sex drive, inability to get or keep an erection, or delayed or absent ejaculation
- sexual problems in females; decreased sex drive, or delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- fainting
- fever
- sweating
- confusion
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- severe muscle stiffness or twitching
- agitation
- hallucinations
- loss of coordination
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- coma (loss of consciousness)
- rash
- itching
- hives or blisters
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- headache
- unsteadiness
- problems with thinking, concentration, or memory
- seizures
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Medications such as citalopram may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. This increase was found in children, teenagers, and young adults (less than 24 years of age). The risk may be more likely with the first few months of treatment and when the dose is increased.
Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and frenzied abnormal excitement. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to do so.
The doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with citalopram. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You also can obtain the Medication Guide from the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm.
Sources used and to obtain additional information:
- National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health (nih.gov), accessed January 20, 2026.
- Medlineplus.gov, National Library of Medicine, Citalopram, accessed January 20, 2026.
- Celexa medication leaflet, accessed January 20, 2026.
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