

Citalopram Hydrobromide is a prescription antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly used to treat depression. It is available in tablet form and is typically taken once daily under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It is also marketed under the brand name Celexa.
Below is a quick overview of important facts for patients and caregivers:
| Product Name (Generic) | Citalopram Hydrobromide |
|---|---|
| Strengths | 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg |
| Drug Class | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) |
| Primary Use | Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) |
| Dosage Form | Oral tablet |
| Prescription Required | Yes |
| Boxed Warning | Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults |
| Storage | Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C); excursions permitted between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). |
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Citalopram Hydrobromide tablets are prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It may help improve common symptoms of depression, including:
Some patients may begin noticing improvement in symptoms within 1 to 4 weeks, although full therapeutic benefits may take several weeks of consistent treatment.
Warning: Risk of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
This boxed warning highlights serious safety risks related to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors:
The exact mechanism is not fully understood. Citalopram HBr is believed to work by affecting serotonin activity in the brain. It may work by:
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. General guidelines include:
The dosage of Citalopram Hydrobromide depends on the patient’s condition, response to treatment, and individual health factors. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
| Patient Group | Recommended Dosage |
|---|---|
| Adults (Initial Dose) | 20 mg taken once daily |
| Dose Increase | May be increased after at least 1 week if needed |
| Maximum Dose | 40 mg once daily |
| Adults Over 60 Years | Maximum recommended dose: 20 mg once daily |
| Patients with Liver Impairment | Maximum recommended dose: 20 mg once daily |
| CYP2C19 Poor Metabolizers or Using CYP2C19 Inhibitors | Maximum recommended dose: 20 mg once daily |
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Important information:
Taking more than the recommended dose may cause serious symptoms. Symptoms of overdose may include:
If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate emergency medical help or contact a poison control center.
Like many antidepressants, Citalopram HBr tablets may cause side effects in some individuals. Many side effects are mild and may improve as the body adjusts to treatment.
Commonly reported Citalopram Hydrobromide side effects are listed below:
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
This is not a complete list of side effects. Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice about adverse reactions. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit MedWatch.
While taking this medication, the following warnings and precautions should be considered:
Patients should consult a healthcare provider before using Citalopram Hydrobromide during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Exposure to SSRIs during late pregnancy has been associated with complications in newborns, including persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) and neonatal adaptation syndrome. It may pass into breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. Healthcare providers can help determine the most appropriate treatment during pregnancy or lactation.
Citalopram Hydrobromide may interact with certain medications and increase the risk of side effects. Important drug interactions include:
Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all substances, supplements, over-the-counter drugs, and medications they use before starting Citalopram Hydrobromide tablets.
Several antidepressant medications may be considered as alternatives depending on a patient’s condition and treatment response.
| Brand Name | Active Ingredient | Drug Class |
|---|---|---|
| Lexapro | Escitalopram | SSRI antidepressant |
| Zoloft | Sertraline | SSRI antidepressant |
| Prozac | Fluoxetine | SSRI antidepressant |
| Cymbalta | Duloxetine | SNRI antidepressant |
| Wellbutrin XL | Bupropion | Atypical antidepressant |
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These medicines contain different active ingredients and should not be substituted without medical guidance. Brand availability may vary depending on location and pharmacy supply. A healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate option based on the patient’s symptoms and treatment response.
Prescription antidepressant medications may be costly at many U.S. retail pharmacies. Ordering Citalopram Hydrobromide online from Polar Bear Meds may help reduce overall costs while maintaining safety, quality, and reliability.
All Citalopram Hydrobromide orders require a valid prescription. Medications are dispensed by licensed pharmacies that comply with applicable pharmacy regulations and safety standards.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace expert medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Citalopram Hydrobromide is a prescription antidepressant used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Always consult an authorized healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage. Individual results, side effects, and dosing needs may vary.

Dr. Jackson Miller is a board-certified medicine physician & hospitalist. He is a healthcare professional with a strong background in patient care. With years of experience and a patient-first approach, he believes the foundation of good health is a patient who feels informed and empowered. He contributes to medical content review, drawing on his background in clinical practice and patient education. He focuses on presenting health information in a clear, accurate, and accessible way to help readers make informed decisions. His work emphasizes clarity, evidence-based guidance, and understandable explanations of medical topics.
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