CITALOPRAM
(Celexa)Standard Prescription
citalopram__mg PO__(frequency)
Dosages
Children and Adolescents:
Initial dose: 5-20 mg PO daily
Usual dose: 10-40 mg PO daily
Increment: 5-10 mg at weekly intervals.
Maximum Dose:
40 mg daily.
Patients with liver dysfunction or who take cimetidine: 20 mg PO daily.
Initial dose: 5-20 mg PO daily
Usual dose: 10-40 mg PO daily
Increment: 5-10 mg at weekly intervals.
Maximum Dose:
40 mg daily.
Patients with liver dysfunction or who take cimetidine: 20 mg PO daily.
Mechanism of Action
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Forms Supplied
tablet: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
(10 mg tablet manufactured only by generic companies)
(10 mg tablet manufactured only by generic companies)
Comments
Effective in the treatment of depression. Also used for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Children metabolize SSRIs more rapidly than adults and may require doses in the higher end of the dosing range.
May take 2-4 weeks to see therapeutic effects.
Common adverse effects: headache, nausea, dry mouth, sweating, tremor and impaired sexual function (adolescents/adults), QTc prolongation.
Minimal CYP interactions.
Do not suddenly stop long-term treatment due to risk of SSRI discontinuation syndrome (flu-like symptoms, dizziness, “electric-shock” sensations). It is recommended to taper down dose by ~25%/week. See fluoxetine for more information.
Prescribers must be aware of warnings issued by Health Canada regarding the use of antidepressants in pediatric patients, and use of citalopram in patients with certain abnormal heart rhythms. Refer to the Health Canada Website.
Children metabolize SSRIs more rapidly than adults and may require doses in the higher end of the dosing range.
May take 2-4 weeks to see therapeutic effects.
Common adverse effects: headache, nausea, dry mouth, sweating, tremor and impaired sexual function (adolescents/adults), QTc prolongation.
Minimal CYP interactions.
Do not suddenly stop long-term treatment due to risk of SSRI discontinuation syndrome (flu-like symptoms, dizziness, “electric-shock” sensations). It is recommended to taper down dose by ~25%/week. See fluoxetine for more information.
Prescribers must be aware of warnings issued by Health Canada regarding the use of antidepressants in pediatric patients, and use of citalopram in patients with certain abnormal heart rhythms. Refer to the Health Canada Website.
References
4, 83
Last Edited
2021-06-22 04:25:35