Citalopram

Citalopram tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults ( 1 ) .

• Administer once daily with or without food . • Initial dosage is 20 mg once daily; after one week may increase to maximum dosage of 40 mg once daily . • Patients greater than 60 years of age, patients with hepatic impairment, and CYP2C19 poor metabolizers: maximum recommended dosage is 20 mg once daily . • When discontinuing citalopram tablets, reduce dosage gradually
• Recommended Dosage Administer citalopram tablets once daily, with or without food, at an initial dosage of 20 mg once daily, with an increase to a maximum dosage of 40 mg once daily at an interval of no less than one week
• Dosages above 40 mg once daily are not recommended due to the risk of QT prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ]
• Screen for Bipolar Disorder Prior to Starting Citalopram Tablets Prior to initiating treatment with citalopram tablets or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions ]
• Recommended Dosage for Specific Populations The maximum recommended dosage of citalopram tablets for patients who are greater than 60 years of age, patients with hepatic impairment, and for CYP2C19 poor metabolizers is 20 mg once daily [see Warnings and Precautions , Clinical Pharmacology ] . …

Citalopram tablets, USP are available as: • 10 mg: Tan coloured, round shaped, biconvex film coated tablets with ‘10’ debossed on one side and plain on the other side. • 20 mg: Tan coloured, oval shaped, biconvex film coated tablets with ‘2│0’ debossed (‘2’ on left side and ‘0’ on right side of the break line) on one side and ‘1010’ on the other side. …

• The safety and effectiveness of citalopram have not been established
• In pediatric patients
• Two placebo-controlled trials in 407
• Pediatric patients with MDD have been conducted with citalopram, and the data were not sufficient to support use
• In pediatric patients
• Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• In pediatric patients [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ]
• Decreased appetite and weight loss have been observed in association with the use of SSRIs
• In pediatric patients

Of 4,422 patients in clinical studies of citalopram, 1,357 were 60 and over, 1,034 were 65 and over, and 457 were 75 and over. In two pharmacokinetic studies, citalopram AUC was increased by 23% and 30%, respectively, in subjects ≥ 60 years of age as compared to younger subjects, and its half-life was increased by 30% and 50%, respectively [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . …

• Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide)
• Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Advise patients and caregivers to look for the emergence of suicidality, especially early during treatment and when the dosage is adjusted up or down, and instruct them to report such symptoms to the healthcare provider [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ]
• QT Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes Advise patients to consult their health care provider immediately if they feel faint, lose consciousness, or have heart palpitations. …

Citalopram tablets are contraindicated in patients: • taking, or within 14 days of stopping, MAOIs (including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue) because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . • taking pimozide because of risk of QT prolongation [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . • with known hypersensitivity to citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients in citalopram tablets. …

Table 5 presents clinically important drug interactions with citalopram. Table 5: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Citalopram Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact Concomitant use of SSRIs, including citalopram, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention Citalopram is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ), Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . …

• QT-Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes: Dose-dependent QTc prolongation, Torsade de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, and sudden death have occurred. Avoid use of citalopram tablets in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, bradycardia, hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, recent acute myocardial infarction, or uncompensated heart failure and patients taking other drugs that prolong the QTc interval. Monitor electrolytes in patients at high risk for hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia. Discontinue citalopram tablets in patients with persistent QTc measurements > 500 ms ( 5.2 , 7 ). • Serotonin Syndrome: Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents, but also when taken alone. …

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: • Hypersensitivity reactions [see Contraindications ( 4 )] • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • QT-prolongation and torsade de pointes [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Increased risk of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Activation of mania or hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Discontinuation syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] • Angle-closure glaucoma [see Warnings …

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to advise patients to register by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants. …

The following have been reported with citalopram tablet overdosage: Seizures, which may be delayed, and altered mental status including coma. Cardiovascular toxicity, which may be delayed, including QRS and QTc interval prolongation, wide complex tachyarrhythmias, and torsade de pointes. Hypertension most commonly seen, but rarely can see hypotension alone or with co‐ingestants including alcohol. Serotonin syndrome (patients with a multiple drug overdosage with other proserotonergic drugs may have a higher risk). …

9.1 Controlled Substance Citalopram (citalopram HBr) is not a controlled substance. 9.2 Abuse Animal studies suggest that the abuse liability of citalopram is low. Citalopram has not been systematically studied in humans for its potential for abuse, tolerance, or physical dependence. The premarketing clinical experience with citalopram did not reveal any drug-seeking behavior. …

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.