How many brands of citalopram (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) are available?

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Available Brands of Citalopram

Based on the FDA drug information, citalopram is available in one brand name (Celexa) and as generic formulations from multiple manufacturers.

Brand and Generic Information

Citalopram is primarily available in two forms:

  1. Brand name:

    • Celexa (original brand name) 1
  2. Generic formulations:

    • Multiple generic manufacturers produce citalopram tablets 2

Available Formulations and Strengths

Citalopram tablets are available in three standard strengths:

  • 10 mg tablets: Peach colored, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets with "c" debossed on one side 1
  • 20 mg tablets: Pink colored, oval, biconvex, film-coated tablets with "508" debossed on one side and scored on the other side 1
  • 40 mg tablets: White colored, oval, biconvex, film-coated tablets with "509" debossed on one side and scored on the other side 1

Packaging Information

Generic citalopram tablets are typically supplied in the following packaging configurations:

  • Bottles of 100 tablets
  • Bottles of 500 tablets
  • Bottles of 1000 tablets (for 20 mg and 40 mg strengths) 1

Clinical Considerations

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with a chemical structure unrelated to other SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants 1. It is considered the most selective serotonin antidepressant with proven efficacy and has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile with low potential for interactions with other medications 3.

Important Dosing Information

  • Standard dosing ranges from 20-40 mg per day 2
  • Maximum recommended dose is 40 mg due to risk of QT prolongation at higher doses 4
  • Dose adjustments may be needed in patients with hepatic impairment 2

Safety Profile

  • Citalopram has been well-tolerated in both short and long-term use 5
  • It has a relatively wide margin of safety when taken in overdose alone 5
  • Available in both oral tablet and intravenous formulations in some countries, though tablets are the primary form in the US 6

Alternative Considerations

For patients with severe major depressive disorder, escitalopram (the S-enantiomer of citalopram) may be more effective than racemic citalopram 7. Escitalopram is marketed under the brand name Lexapro and is also available as generic formulations 2.

Human Psychopharmacology

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Available Brands of Citalopram

Citalopram is available as one brand name product (Celexa) and in generic formulations from various manufacturers.

Brand and Generic Information

Citalopram is available in the following forms:

  1. Brand name:

    • Celexa (original brand name) 2
  2. Generic formulations:

    • Multiple generic manufacturers produce citalopram tablets 1

Available Formulations and Strengths

Citalopram tablets are available in three standard strengths:

  • 10 mg tablets: Peach colored, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets 1
  • 20 mg tablets: Pink colored, oval, biconvex, film-coated tablets 1
  • 40 mg tablets: White colored, oval, biconvex, film-coated tablets 1

Clinical Considerations

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with a chemical structure unrelated to other SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants 1. It is considered highly selective for serotonin reuptake inhibition with proven efficacy and a favorable pharmacokinetic profile 3.

According to the American Family Physician guidelines, citalopram is among the preferred agents for depression treatment due to its favorable adverse effect profile 2.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Citalopram.

Human psychopharmacology, 2000

Guideline

Psychopharmacology for Depression and Related Conditions

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Research

The safety and tolerability of citalopram.

International clinical psychopharmacology, 1996

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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