Citalopram QT Prolongation: Risks, Signs, and What You Need to Know

When you take citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and anxiety. Also known as Celexa, it helps millions manage mood—but it carries a quiet risk: QT prolongation, a delay in the heart’s electrical recovery phase that can trigger dangerous irregular heartbeats.

QT prolongation isn’t something you feel right away. It shows up on an EKG, not in your symptoms—until it doesn’t. In rare cases, it can lead to torsades de pointes, a life-threatening type of ventricular arrhythmia. This isn’t common with citalopram, but the risk goes up if you’re over 65, have heart disease, take high doses (over 40 mg/day), or use other drugs that affect heart rhythm. Even something as simple as low potassium or dehydration can tip the balance.

Many people on citalopram never see this side effect. But if you’ve been on it for months and suddenly feel dizzy, faint, or notice your heart skipping or pounding hard, don’t ignore it. These aren’t just "anxiety symptoms." They could be your body warning you about an electrical problem. Doctors check your heart before starting citalopram if you have a history of heart issues, and they may repeat an EKG if you’re on a higher dose or adding other meds. It’s not about fear—it’s about awareness.

What you’ll find in these posts isn’t just theory. You’ll see real-world examples: how citalopram interacts with other drugs that stretch the QT interval, why some people need lower doses, and what to do if you’re switching from another antidepressant. You’ll also learn how to spot early signs of heart rhythm trouble, why certain conditions like hypothyroidism or electrolyte imbalances matter, and how to talk to your doctor about testing without sounding alarmist.

This isn’t a warning to stop citalopram. It’s a guide to using it wisely. Thousands take it safely every day. But knowing the risks—and how to manage them—means you stay in control. The posts below cover everything from how QT prolongation is measured to what alternatives exist if your doctor recommends switching. No fluff. Just what you need to protect your heart while treating your mind.