What is the typical starting dose of Citalopram?

The typical starting dose of Citalopram, an SSRI used primarily to treat depression and anxiety disorders, is 10 mg. This dose is generally recommended to assess tolerance and effectiveness while minimizing potential side effects.

In clinical practice, starting at 10 mg allows healthcare providers to observe the patient's response and adjust the dosage as necessary. For some individuals, especially the elderly or those with certain health concerns, starting even lower, at 5 mg, may be considered to ensure safety and monitor for adverse reactions.

Doses of 25 mg and 50 mg are usually considered higher than the initial starting points and are typically used only after evaluating how well a patient tolerates the medication. It is common practice to titrate the dose upward based on response and side effects, but initiating treatment usually begins with the lower recommended range.

Therefore, recognizing the common effective range for starting doses is crucial in safely engaging with patient care in a clinical setting.