(Legend)

Generic Name

• Citalopram
  T½ = 35 h
  Pregnancy category C

Trade Name

• Celexa

Dose Range/Adult Daily Dose

• Range: 20–60 mg/d po
  Start 20 mg po daily, increased weekly, if needed, by 20 mg/d up to 60 mg/d (usual dose: 40 mg/d)

Use/Common Side Effects (CSE)

• Use: Depression
  CSE: Apathy, confusion, drowsiness, insomnia, abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea, sweating, tremor

Geriatric & Dose Considerations

• 20 mg po once daily; may increase to 40 mg/d only in those not responding. Lower doses with hepatic/renal impairment.

Classification

• Antidepressant [SSRI]

Assessment Cautions

• Contraindicated: Use within 14 days of MAOI; Caution: hx of mania or seizures; serotonin syndrome with SAMe or St. John’s wort; monitor for mood changes and assess for suicide