From the Guidelines
Common side effects of Celexa (citalopram) include nausea, dry mouth, increased sweating, drowsiness, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction, as reported in a study published in the American Family Physician in 2015 1. These side effects often occur during the first few weeks of treatment and may diminish over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or constipation typically appear early in treatment. Some patients experience headaches, dizziness, or tremors. Weight changes and fatigue are also reported by some users. Sexual side effects, including decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm, may persist throughout treatment. Less common but more serious side effects include abnormal bleeding, low sodium levels (hyponatremia), and serotonin syndrome. Celexa works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood but can also affect other body systems, explaining these side effects. If you experience severe side effects, particularly suicidal thoughts, unusual agitation, or allergic reactions, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Never stop taking Celexa suddenly as this can cause withdrawal symptoms; dosage should always be gradually reduced under medical supervision. It's also important to note that citalopram may cause QT prolongation, especially at doses exceeding 40 mg per day, as highlighted in a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2020 1. Additionally, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2008 found that SSRIs, including citalopram, may be associated with an increased risk of nonfatal suicide attempts 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study, published in 2015, provides the most relevant information on the common side effects of Celexa 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Common possible side effects in people who take citalopram tablets include: Nausea Sleepiness Weakness Dizziness Feeling anxious Trouble sleeping Sexual problems Sweating Shaking Not feeling hungry Dry mouth Constipation Diarrhea Respiratory Infections Yawning Other side effects in children and adolescents include: increased thirst abnormal increase in muscle movement or agitation nose bleed urinating more often heavy menstrual periods possible slowed growth rate and weight change.
The common side effects of Celexa (citalopram) include:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, constipation, diarrhea
- Nervous system symptoms: sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, feeling anxious, trouble sleeping
- Other symptoms: sexual problems, sweating, shaking, not feeling hungry, dry mouth, respiratory infections, yawning
- Side effects in children and adolescents: increased thirst, abnormal increase in muscle movement or agitation, nose bleed, urinating more often, heavy menstrual periods, possible slowed growth rate and weight change 2.
Additionally, other side effects have been reported, including:
- Cardiovascular symptoms: tachycardia, postural hypotension, hypotension, hypertension, bradycardia 2
- Psychiatric symptoms: impaired concentration, amnesia, apathy, depression, increased appetite, aggravated depression, suicide attempt, confusion 2
From the Research
Common Side Effects of Celexa
The common side effects of Celexa (citalopram) include:
- Nausea and vomiting, occurring in up to 20% of patients 3
- Increased sweating, headache, dry mouth, tremor, and insomnia, experienced by 15 to 18% of patients 3
- Somnolence (drowsiness) and dry mouth, which are mainly transient and mostly mild to moderate in severity 4
- Diarrhea, which is more common during treatment with escitalopram (a related medication) but may also occur with citalopram 5
- Sexual dysfunction, which occurs with similar frequency to citalopram and escitalopram 6
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects are frequently observed in patients taking antidepressants, including citalopram:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, anorexia, increased appetite, and dry mouth are common gastrointestinal side effects associated with antidepressant treatments 7
- Citalopram may cause gastrointestinal side effects, although the specific rates and types of side effects may vary depending on the study and population 7, 4, 3
Other Side Effects
Other side effects of citalopram may include:
- Weight gain, although the mean weight change after 6 months of treatment with escitalopram (a related medication) was similar to that with placebo 6
- Cardiovascular events, although the incidence was similar to that with placebo 6
- Discontinuation symptoms, which were fewer with escitalopram compared to paroxetine 6