Citalopram

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A bicyclic phthalene derivative and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), with antidepressant and anxiolytic activities. Citalopram selectively inhibits the neuronal reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) in presynaptic cells in the central nervous system, thereby increasing levels of 5-HT within the synaptic cleft and enhancing the actions of serotonin on its receptors. Increased serotonergic neurotransmission results in antidepressive and anxiolytic effects.

**Synonyms:** - 1,3-Dihydro-1-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isobenzofurancarbonitrile - CITALOPRAM - Cipram - Lu 10-171 - Nitalapram