What are the Canadian brand names of citalopram (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)?

Canadian Brand Names of Citalopram

In Canada, the brand names of citalopram include Celexa as the primary brand name product. 1, 2

Overview of Citalopram

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant with the following characteristics:

• It belongs to a class of drugs that enhance serotonergic neurotransmission through potent and selective inhibition of serotonin reuptake 3
• It has a more specific and selective pharmacological profile compared to other antidepressants in its class 4
• Citalopram has been prescribed to over 30 million patients in more than 70 countries worldwide 5
• It is primarily used for the treatment of major depression, other depressive disorders, and panic disorder 4

Canadian Availability

• Celexa is the original brand name for citalopram in Canada 1, 2
• Generic citalopram is also available in the Canadian market 6

Clinical Considerations

When prescribing citalopram in Canada, healthcare providers should be aware of:

• The recommended therapeutic range for citalopram is 30-130 ng/mL 1
• Standard dosing ranges from 20-60 mg once daily 5, 7
• The elimination half-life of approximately 33 hours allows for once-daily oral administration 3
• Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, somnolence, insomnia, and increased sweating 5, 7

Important Distinctions Between Brand and Generic

• Some patients may experience symptom relapse when switched from brand name Celexa to generic citalopram 6
• In a case series of anxiety disorder patients, the mean time for re-emergence of symptoms or development of adverse events after switching to generic was 3.4 ± 1.6 weeks 6
• Patients reestablished previous treatment response when switched back to Celexa in a mean time of 3.8 ± 2.6 weeks 6

Cautions and Considerations

• Citalopram, like other SSRIs, may be associated with neonatal drug withdrawal symptoms when used during pregnancy 1
• Symptoms in exposed neonates can include crying, irritability, tremors, poor feeding, sleep disturbance, and other signs that typically resolve within 1-4 weeks 1
• Citalopram has minimal anticholinergic effects compared to tricyclic antidepressants 3
• It is relatively well-tolerated in elderly patients and those with mild to moderate renal and hepatic disease 5

Photosensitivity Risk

• Citalopram is listed among medications that can cause drug-induced photosensitivity 1
• Patients taking citalopram should be advised about appropriate sun protection measures when outdoors 1