Citalopram QT Prolongation: Risks, Signs, and What to Do
When you take citalopram, a common antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety. Also known as Celexa, it works by balancing brain chemicals—but it can also affect your heart in ways most people don’t expect. One of those ways is QT prolongation, a change in the heart’s electrical cycle that can lead to dangerous irregular heartbeats. This isn’t a rare side effect—it’s well-documented, and the FDA has issued warnings about it. The longer the QT interval on an EKG, the higher the risk of a life-threatening rhythm called torsades de pointes. It’s not something you feel right away, which is why it’s so dangerous.
Not everyone taking citalopram will have this issue, but certain factors raise the risk. People over 65, those with existing heart conditions, or anyone on other medications that also affect the QT interval are more vulnerable. Drugs like first-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or certain antibiotics and antifungals can stack up with citalopram and push the heart’s electrical system past its limit. Even low doses of citalopram can be risky if you’re taking other QT-prolonging drugs. That’s why pharmacists now check for these interactions before filling prescriptions—something pharmacist-led substitution programs, which reduce adverse drug events by nearly half, are designed to catch.
Doctors usually start with the lowest possible dose of citalopram, especially if you’re older or have a history of heart problems. They may order an EKG before and after starting the drug to track your QT interval. If it stretches too far, they’ll switch you to a safer antidepressant—like sertraline or escitalopram—which have lower risks. You should never stop citalopram on your own, but if you feel dizzy, faint, or notice your heart racing or skipping beats, get checked immediately. These aren’t normal side effects—they’re warning signs.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical guides on how drug interactions like this happen, how to spot them before it’s too late, and what steps you can take to protect yourself. From how machine learning signal detection, AI systems that find hidden drug risks in real-world data are catching these issues faster than ever, to how to report dangerous side effects to the FDA, this collection gives you the tools to speak up and stay safe. No fluff. Just what you need to know before your next prescription.
Citalopram and Escitalopram: QT Prolongation Risks and Safe Dose Limits
Citalopram and escitalopram are effective antidepressants but carry QT prolongation risks that require strict dose limits. Learn the safe dosing guidelines, who’s at risk, and how to minimize cardiac complications.
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