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Citalopram belongs to the phenylbutylamines, a subclass of benzene and substituted derivatives within the organic compounds. This exogenous solid has the formula C20H21FN2O and an average molecular weight of 324.39 g/mol. It is classified as a drug (PMC11411717 ) used as an antidepressant and a serotonin uptake inhibitor. Biologically and chemically, it also acts as an inhibitor of EC 3.4.21.26 (prolyl oligopeptidase) and EC 1.8.1.12 (trypanothione-disulfide reductase) (PMC11411717 ).
The compound is used in the treatment of depression (PMC10698095 , PMC4457595 ) and major depressive disorder (PMC7902340 ), and it has a therapeutic effect on hypertension (PMC10997981 ). It is associated with an increase in anxiety (PMC12030910 ). Citalopram's antidepressant, antibulimic, and antiobsessive-compulsive actions are presumed to be linked to its inhibition of CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin. It blocks serotonin reuptake at the neuronal membrane pump, which enhances the actions of serotonin on 5HT1A autoreceptors. Compared to tricyclic antidepressant drugs, SSRIs like citalopram bind with significantly less affinity to norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and histamine receptors. Recorded protein targets include the sodium-dependent serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), the histamine H1 receptor (HRH1), the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 (CHRM1), the alpha-1A adrenergic receptor (ADRA1A), and solute carrier family 22 member 1 (SLC22A1), among others.
Citalopram has been detected in the liver, brain, and platelet tissues. It is found in various sources, including antidepressants, indoor air, food preservation, and household cleaning and consumer products such as tobacco smoke filters, cigar cigarettes, and non-electric simulated smoking devices. It is also recorded in electrical and electronic equipment, including electrodes, antennas, and electrically stimulated smoking devices. Recorded exposure routes include oral and inhalation.
Belongs to the class of organic compounds known as phenylbutylamines. Phenylbutylamines are compounds containing a phenylbutylamine moiety, which consists of a phenyl group substituted at the fourth carbon by an butan-1-amine.
The antidepressant, antiobsessive-compulsive, and antibulimic actions of citalopram are presumed to be linked to its inhibition of CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin. Citalopram blocks the reuptake of serotonin at the serotonin reuptake pump of the neuronal membrane, enhancing the actions of serotonin on 5HT1A autoreceptors. SSRIs bind with significantly less affinity to histamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine receptors than tricyclic antidepressant drugs.
No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Minimum Risk Level
Not Available
Symptoms
Symptoms most often accompanying citalopram overdose, alone or in combination with other drugs and/or alcohol, included dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, tremor, somnolence, and sinus tachycardia. In more rare cases, observed symptoms included amnesia, confusion, coma, convulsions, hyperventilation, cyanosis, rhabdomyolysis, and ECG changes (including QTc prolongation, nodal rhythm, ventricular arrhythmia, and very rare cases of torsade de pointes). Acute renal failure has been very rarely reported accompanying overdose. Withdrawal symptoms include flu-like symptoms, insomnia, nausea, imbalance, sensory changes and hyperactivity.
Treatment
Establish and maintain an airway to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Gastric evacuation by lavage and use of activated charcoal should be considered. Careful observation and cardiac and vital sign monitoring are recommended, along with general symptomatic and supportive care. Due to the large volume of distribution of citalopram, forced diuresis, dialysis, hemoperfusion, and exchange transfusion are unlikely to be of benefit. There are no specific antidotes for Celexa. (28)
Health Effects
Health Effect
Relationship
Direction
Description
Reference
hypertension
Has Therapeutic Effect On
Not Available
A disorder characterized by a pathological increase in blood pressure; a repeatedly elevation in the blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mm Hg. (NCI CTCAE)
A disorder characterized by apprehension of danger and dread accompanied by restlessness, tension, tachycardia, and dyspnea unattached to a clearly identifiable stimulus. (NCI CTCAE)
An endogenous depression that is characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, and by loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. (DO)
An anxiety disorder that is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. (DO)
Soil?Soil serves as a critical medium for plant growth and sustains various ecological functions; however, it can become a reservoir for synthetic chemical contamination.
Indoor air?Indoor air can be a significant reservoir for synthetic chemical contaminants, which often originate from various sources within enclosed environments.
Groundwater?Groundwater serves as a vital resource for drinking water and agricultural irrigation but is increasingly susceptible to contamination from synthetic chemicals.
Drinking water?Drinking water can be a medium for synthetic chemical contamination, often originating from various industrial processes and agricultural practices.
Antidepressants?Antidepressants, a class of synthetic chemicals designed to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, can enter the environment through various pathways, leading to contamination of water systems.
Effluent?Effluent refers to liquid waste or sewage that is discharged into the environment, typically resulting from industrial processes, municipal wastewater treatment, or agricultural runoff.
Antennas?Antennas, commonly used in communication technologies, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination through the materials and coatings used in their construction.
Conductors Or Conductive Bodies Characterised By The Conductive Materials?Conductors, or conductive bodies, are materials that allow the flow of electrical current, typically made from metals such as copper, aluminum, or silver.
Electrically Stimulated Smoking Devices?Electrically stimulated smoking devices, commonly known as e-cigarettes or vape pens, utilize electrical components to heat a liquid solution, often containing nicotine, flavorings, and other additives, to produce an aerosol for inhalation.
Electrodes?Electrodes, used in various electrical and electronic applications, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials from which they are constructed and the processes involved in their manufacturing.
Hybrid Capacitors?Hybrid capacitors are energy storage devices that combine the properties of electrolytic and supercapacitors, utilizing a combination of electrochemical principles to achieve higher energy density and power density.
Food Preservation?Food preservation often involves the use of synthetic chemicals, such as preservatives, flavor enhancers, and color additives, to extend shelf life and enhance the sensory qualities of food products.
Non Electric Simulated Smoking Devices?Non-electric simulated smoking devices, often designed to mimic the experience of smoking without combustion, can be sources of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and chemicals used in their construction and operation.
Other Smoking Requisites?Other smoking requisites, including items such as lighters, matches, and rolling papers, can introduce synthetic chemical contamination through various components and additives.
Tobacco Smoke Filters?Tobacco smoke filters are designed to reduce the inhalation of harmful substances in cigarette smoke, including tar and other particulate matter.
Manufacture Preparation Of Tobacco Products?The manufacture and preparation of tobacco products involve various processes that can result in the introduction of synthetic chemicals into the environment.
Aftersun Products?Aftersun products are designed to soothe and hydrate the skin after sun exposure, often containing various synthetic chemicals such as emollients, preservatives, and fragrances.
Anti Perspirants Or Body Deoderants?Antiperspirants and body deodorants commonly contain synthetic chemicals such as aluminum compounds, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
Eye Makeup Products?Eye makeup products, including mascaras, eyeliners, and eyeshadows, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals such as pigments, preservatives, and film-forming agents.
Lip Care Products?Lip care products, including lipsticks, balms, and glosses, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
Lip Makeup Products?Lip makeup products, such as lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip liners, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals, including pigments, preservatives, and emollients.
Footwear?Footwear production often involves the use of various synthetic chemicals, such as adhesives, dyes, and treatments, which can contribute to environmental contamination.
Airplanes And Helicopters?Airplanes and helicopters are significant sources of synthetic chemical contamination primarily through the use of aviation fuels, lubricants, and de-icing agents.
Nanotechnology?Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at the molecular or atomic level, typically within the range of 1 to 100 nanometers.
Sludge Treatment?Sludge treatment involves the processing of waste materials generated from wastewater treatment plants, which often contain a variety of organic and inorganic substances.
Water, Wastewater, & Sewage Treatment?Water, wastewater, and sewage treatment processes are critical for managing and mitigating pollutants in water systems.
The antidepressant, antiobsessive-compulsive, and antibulimic actions of Citalopram are presumed to be linked to its inhibition of CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin. Citalopram blocks the reuptake of serotonin at the serotonin reuptake pump of the neuronal membrane, enhancing the actions of serotonin on 5HT1A autoreceptors. SSRIs bind with significantly less affinity to histamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine receptors than tricyclic antidepressant drugs.
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