Pregabalin vs Citalopram: side-by-side comparison
Pregabalin (Gabapentinoid (alpha-2-delta ligand)) and Citalopram (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely substitutes for each other. The comparison is useful when a single patient is weighing both options for adjacent or overlapping needs.
| Property | Pregabalin | Citalopram |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Gabapentinoid (alpha-2-delta ligand) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) |
| CAS | 148553-50-8 | 59729-33-8 |
| ATC | N03AX16 | N06AB04 |
| Molecular weight | 159.23 g/mol | 324.39 g/mol |
| Brands with this active ingredient | 1 | 1 |
What they share
Pregabalin and Citalopram share the common regulatory framework for prescription active ingredients, bioequivalence standards for generics, and pharmacist oversight. Beyond that, points in common are limited.
Key differences
Pregabalin acts by a different mechanism than Citalopram, with indications that barely overlap. Comparing the two is useful when a clinician has mentioned both in the same context or the patient wants to understand why one was prescribed instead of the other.
Mechanisms compared
Pregabalin: Pregabalin binds the alpha-2-delta auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system, reducing presynaptic calcium influx and the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate… Citalopram: Citalopram selectively inhibits the serotonin reuptake transporter, increasing synaptic serotonin availability with limited affinity for noradrenaline transporters or other receptors.
Indications compared
Pregabalin: Pregabalin is approved in adults for neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, spinal cord injury and other forms of central neuropathic pain (some markets), for generalise… Citalopram: Citalopram is approved for major depressive disorder.
Safety profile
Pregabalin: Common adverse effects include drowsiness, dizziness, peripheral oedema, weight gain, dry mouth and blurred vision. Citalopram: Common adverse effects include nausea, dry mouth, headache, sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbance and increased sweating.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pregabalin better than Citalopram? ▾
Pregabalin and Citalopram are not "better or worse" — they treat different things. The sensible question is which fits your specific need.
Can Pregabalin and Citalopram be combined? ▾
Whether they can be combined depends on the indications and the interaction profile of each. If both are in a single prescription, the prescriber has weighed it; in self-medication they should never be combined.
Do they have the same side-effect profile? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each has its own prescribing information.
Products with Pregabalin
Products with Citalopram
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.