Like all medicines, citalopram can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects.
Some of the common side effects of citalopram will gradually improve as your body gets used to it.
For example, taking citalopram for panic attacks can sometimes make anxiety worse during the first few weeks of treatment. But this usually wears off after a few weeks. If it bothers you, speak to your doctor about it. A lower dose may help reduce your symptoms.
Common side effects
These common side effects of citalopram happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Dry mouth
Chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free sweets.
Sweating a lot
Try wearing loose clothing, use a strong anti-perspirant and keep cool using a fan if possible. If this does not help, you may need to try a different type of antidepressant.
Being unable to sleep
Take citalopram first thing in the morning.
Feeling sleepy, tired or weak
Take citalopram in the evening and try to drink less alcohol. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery if you're feeling sleepy. If this does not help, talk to your doctor.
Feeling tired or weak
Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery if you're feeling tired. Cut down the amount of alcohol you drink as it can make you feel worse.
Headaches
Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Talk to your doctor if the headaches do not go away or are severe.
Feeling sick (nausea)
Try taking citalopram with or after food. It may also help if you avoid rich or spicy food. If it carries on, tell your doctor.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.
Book an appointment with your doctor if:
- you have changes in your periods, such as heavy bleeding, spotting or bleeding between periods
- you gain or lose weight without trying
Call a doctor or call 111 now if you:
- start bleeding from the gums or get bruises that appear without a reason or that get bigger
- have strong feelings of happiness, enthusiasm or excitement, or feeling restless and you cannot sit or stand still
- start coughing up blood or have blood in your pee
- have black or red poo, or blood in your vomit – these can be signs of bleeding from the gut
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you have chest pain or pressure or shortness of breath
- you have a fit or seizure for the first time, or the seizures you have had in the past become more frequent
- you feel very dizzy, or pass out
- you have painful erections that last longer than 2 hours – this may happen even when you're not having sex
- you get bleeding from any cuts or nosebleeds that is very heavy or does not stop within 10 minutes
- you have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life
- you get headaches, have trouble focusing, have memory problems, cannot think clearly, have weakness, have a seizure or fit, or lose your balance – these can be signs of low sodium levels
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring all the medicines you take with you.
Serious allergic reaction
In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to citalopram.
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Sexual side effects
The good effects of citalopram may, after a while, improve your sex life as your mood lifts and you start to feel like yourself again.
Some of the possible sexual side effects include:
- painful erections and problems getting an erection and ejaculating
- some vaginal bleeding
- not reaching orgasm the same way as before
- a lower sex drive
Sexual side effects usually stop after the first couple of weeks. Sometimes, however, they can be long lasting and may not get better even after you stop taking the medicine. If this happens and it’s a problem for you, go back to your doctor to see if there's another treatment you can try.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of citalopram. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit the Yellow Card website for more information about reporting side effects.