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Citalopram HCl
Citalopram selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin at the neuronal synapse, increasing serotonin availability in the brain.
Citalopram selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin at the neuronal synapse, increasing serotonin availability in the brain. Used for Major depressive disorder, Panic disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
At a glance
| Generic name | Citalopram HCl |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven |
| Drug class | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) |
| Target | Serotonin transporter (SERT) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Mental Health |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that blocks the serotonin transporter protein, preventing the reabsorption of serotonin from the synaptic cleft back into presynaptic neurons. This increases serotonin concentration in the extracellular space, enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission. The enhanced serotonin signaling is thought to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.
Approved indications
- Major depressive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Somnolence
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Sexual dysfunction
- Tremor
- Sweating
Key clinical trials
- A Study Following Women in Menopause Treated With a Non-hormonal Therapy for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Commonly Used Drugs in Lactating Women and Breastfed Infants
- Intensified Pharmacological Treatment for Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Depression After a First-time Treatment Failure (PHASE3)
- Treating Negative Affect in Low Back Pain Patients (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Neurobiological and Genomic Predictors of Relapse in Depression
- Multiple Ascending Dose Phase 1 Study of ALA-3000 (PHASE1)
- Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial for Bipolar Depression (PHASE4)
- The Effect of a Six Week Intensified Pharmacological Treatment for Bipolar Depression Compared to Treatment as Usual in Subjects Who Had a First-time Treatment Failure on Their First-line Treatment. (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Citalopram HCl CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Citalopram HCl updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven portfolio CI