NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Citalopram

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved for major depressive disorder. The racemic mixture of S-citalopram and R-citalopram. Well tolerated with few drug interactions due to minimal CYP450 inhibition. FDA-mandated maximum dose of 40 mg daily (20 mg in patients over 60) due to dose-dependent QT prolongation risk. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 1992–2025
Interactions
0
Depletes
2 nutrients
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved for major depressive disorder. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 10–40 mg daily; max 20 mg daily in patients >60 years (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete sodium, folate. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Depression symptom relief1,2
  • Anxiety reduction
  • Few drug-drug interactions2,7
  • Generally well tolerated
What to watch for
  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Concurrent pimozide use

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: depression symptom relief, anxiety reduction, few drug-drug interactions. 10 sources indexed (1992–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) by blocking SERT. The S-enantiomer is primarily responsible for serotonin reuptake inhibition; the R-enantiomer has minimal pharmacologic activity at SERT but may interact with cardiac ion channels at higher doses.6

Class
SSRI
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
10–40 mg daily; max 20 mg daily in patients >60 years (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet or oral solution

Can be taken with or without food. May be taken morning or evening.8

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

Sodium

Significant

SSRI-induced SIADH can lower serum sodium, especially in older adults and during the first weeks of therapy.

Monitor Serum sodiumOnset Most often within the first 2-12 weeks

Folate

Mild

Lower folate status is associated with poorer SSRI response and may be reduced in some chronic users through altered one-carbon metabolism.

Replace MethylfolateMonitor Serum folate or RBC folateOnset Usually over months

Full Citalopram depletion and interaction guide →

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Insomnia
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Increased sweating
  • QT prolongation at higher doses

Contraindications

  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Concurrent pimozide use
  • Known hypersensitivity to citalopram1,2
  • Congenital long QT syndrome
  • Doses exceeding 40 mg/day8
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

5

Randomized controlled trials

1

Reference material

4
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Citalopram, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Citalopram?

Prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved for major depressive disorder. The racemic mixture of S-citalopram and R-citalopram. Well tolerated with few drug interactions due to minimal CYP450 inhibition. FDA-mandated maximum dose of 40 mg daily (20 mg in patients over 60) due to dose-dependent QT prolongation risk. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Citalopram used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Citalopram include: Depression symptom relief; Anxiety reduction; Few drug-drug interactions; Generally well tolerated. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Citalopram?

A typical adult dose of Citalopram is 10–40 mg daily; max 20 mg daily in patients >60 years (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet or oral solution. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Citalopram?

Reported side effects include nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, increased sweating. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Citalopram?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Citalopram in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.