HeadMeds gives young people in the United Kingdom general information about medication. HeadMeds does not give you medical advice. Please talk to your Doctor or anyone else who is supporting you about your own situation because everyone is different. Please read more important details about our site.

Citalopram

"sit-AL-o-pram"
Medication type:

Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor

Other names:
  • Cipramil "SIP-ram-il"
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What can it be used for?

  • 18 & Over
    If you are 18 or over, the doctor can prescribe citalopram for you as a licensed medicine for depression (low mood) or anxiety.
  • Under 18
    If you are under 18, there is less research about its use and effectiveness in young people. Even so, specialist doctors might prescribe it 'off label' if it is the best medicine for you.

Ways to take and what's in it?

  • Tablets

    10mg, 20mg and 40mg strengths.

    The tablets may not be suitable for you if you have problems eating some sugars or dairy (milk-based) foods, as they contain lactose.

  • Oral drops

    40mg per ml – 4 drops are like one 10mg tablet.

    The drops contain a small amount of alcohol, but it would not affect your blood alcohol level.

Citalopram is a Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor. It helps make more serotonin available in your brain.

If you have any thoughts of suicide, or of other ways of hurting yourself, go straight to a hospital with your tablets. This may be a side-effect, and you need urgent help.

Issues like alcohol, driving, concentration, sports, weight, sex life and fertility.