What it is used for

Depression
Panic disorder

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Generalised anxiety disorder
Hot flushes during the menopause

How it works

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It increases the amount of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain that helps regulate mood. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to work fully.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Citalopram can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

feeling sick
headache
sweating
dry mouth
feeling sleepy or having trouble sleeping
feeling anxious when you first start
sexual problems

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life
a fast or irregular heartbeat, or fainting
unusual bleeding or bruising
confusion, high temperature, sweating and muscle twitching, which can be signs of serotonin syndrome

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

It can affect your heart rhythm at higher doses. Your doctor may check your heart if you have heart problems.
Do not take it with St John's wort.
Tell your doctor straight away if you feel worse or have thoughts of suicide, especially if you are under 25.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.