Citalopram is a medication that is primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means that it works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.
Depression:
2.A meta-analysis of 117 randomized controlled trials found that SSRIs, including citalopram, were effective in treating depression. The study found that SSRIs were more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms of depression, and that they had a favorable safety profile compared to other antidepressant medications.
Anxiety Disorders:
Several studies have found that citalopram is effective in treating anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. A review of 14 randomized controlled trials found that SSRIs, including citalopram, were effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder, and that they had a favorable safety profile compared to other medications.
Overall, citalopram is an effective medication for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. However, like all medications, citalopram can cause side effects, and it is important to take the medication only as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Sources:
- Cipriani, A., Furukawa, T. A., Salanti, G., Chaimani, A., Atkinson, L. Z., Ogawa, Y., … & Geddes, J. R. (2018). Comparative efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressant drugs for the acute treatment of adults with major depressive disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 13(5), e0196975.
- Bandelow, B., Reitt, M., Röver, C., Michaelis, S., Görlich, Y., & Wedekind, D. (2015). Efficacy of treatments for anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis. International Clinical Psychopharmacology, 30(4), 183–192.
- Baldwin, D. S., Anderson, I. M., Nutt, D. J., Allgulander, C., Bandelow, B., den Boer, J. A., … & Wittchen, H. U. (2005). Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders: recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 19(6), 567–596.