Citalopram hydrobromide (
Celexa®) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of
depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
Citalopram is manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals. Generic citalopram is made by several manufacturers.
How Does Citalopram Work?
Citalopram is part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or
SSRIs for short. SSRIs, such as citalopram, act on a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. Serotonin is one of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin. The serotonin enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough serotonin reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. When the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, however, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression. Citalopram helps to block the reuptake of serotonin so more serotonin remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the serotonin a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
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