Citalopram
Also known as: Cipramil
What it's for
Citalopram is an antidepressant used to treat depression and panic attacks. Like sertraline, it increases serotonin in your brain to lift your mood and reduce anxiety.
Comes as: Tablets or drops
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 20mg once a day. Maximum 40mg daily.
- Take at the same time each day.
- You can take it with or without food.
- It can take several weeks to feel the full benefit.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Feeling sick or having a dry mouth
- Sweating more than usual
- Feeling sleepy or having trouble sleeping
- Headache
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Do not stop taking it suddenly
- Can affect your heart rhythm in high doses - stick to the recommended dose
- Avoid alcohol
- Tell your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney problems
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have thoughts of harming yourself
- You have a very fast or irregular heartbeat
- You faint or feel very dizzy
- You have a seizure
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.