Citalopram QT Prolongation: Risks, Signs, and What You Need to Know
When you take citalopram, a common SSRI antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety. Also known as Celexa, it helps balance brain chemicals—but it can also affect your heart’s electrical system in ways most people don’t expect. One of those risks is QT prolongation, a delay in the heart’s electrical recovery phase that can lead to irregular, sometimes deadly, heart rhythms. This isn’t just a footnote in the prescribing info—it’s a real, measurable danger that shows up on an ECG and can strike without warning.
Not everyone who takes citalopram will have this issue, but certain people are at higher risk. Older adults, women, and those with existing heart conditions are more vulnerable. So are people taking other drugs that also stretch the QT interval—like some antibiotics, antifungals, or even other antidepressants. It’s not about taking too much; even normal doses can be risky if your body can’t clear the drug properly or if you’re on multiple QT-prolonging meds. The FDA limits citalopram to 40 mg a day for most adults and 20 mg for older patients or those with liver problems—not because it’s weak, but because above that, the heart risk climbs fast.
What does QT prolongation feel like? Often, nothing at all—until it does. Some people report dizziness, fainting, or a racing or fluttering heartbeat. Others collapse without warning. That’s why doctors check your heart before and sometimes during treatment, especially if you’ve had heart problems before or if you’re on other medications. A simple ECG can catch this early. If your QT interval is too long, switching to a different antidepressant might be safer than pushing through.
This isn’t just about citalopram. It’s part of a bigger pattern. Drugs like azithromycin, linezolid, and even some antipsychotics can do the same thing. That’s why knowing your full medication list matters—not just what your psychiatrist prescribed, but what your dentist, dermatologist, or primary care doctor added. One extra pill, even an OTC one, can tip the balance.
If you’re on citalopram and have never had an ECG, ask your doctor why. If you’ve had a fainting spell or unexplained palpitations, don’t brush it off as stress. And if you’re switching meds, don’t assume the new one is safe just because it’s not citalopram. QT prolongation is silent, serious, and preventable—with the right questions and the right tests.
The posts below cover real cases, practical monitoring tips, and safer alternatives—so you can make smarter choices without guessing what’s happening inside your body.
Citalopram and Escitalopram: QT Prolongation Risks and Safe Dose Limits
Citalopram and escitalopram are effective antidepressants but carry QT prolongation risks at higher doses. Learn the safe dose limits, who’s most at risk, and how to use these medications safely with proper monitoring.
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