Venlafaxine vs Citalopram: side-by-side comparison
Venlafaxine (Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)) 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 | Venlafaxine | Citalopram |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) |
| CAS | 93413-69-5 | 59729-33-8 |
| ATC | N06AX16 | N06AB04 |
| Molecular weight | 277.40 g/mol | 324.39 g/mol |
| Brands with this active ingredient | 1 | 1 |
What they share
Venlafaxine 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
Venlafaxine 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
Venlafaxine: Venlafaxine inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine at the synapse, with a dose-dependent profile: at low doses (≤75mg) it acts mainly on serotonin like an SSRI, while at higher doses (150mg+) the nore… Citalopram: Citalopram selectively inhibits the serotonin reuptake transporter, increasing synaptic serotonin availability with limited affinity for noradrenaline transporters or other receptors.
Indications compared
Venlafaxine: Venlafaxine is approved for major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Citalopram: Citalopram is approved for major depressive disorder.
Safety profile
Venlafaxine: Common adverse effects include nausea (most prominent in the first weeks), dry mouth, sleep disturbance, increased sweating, headache and sexual dysfunction. Citalopram: Common adverse effects include nausea, dry mouth, headache, sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbance and increased sweating.
Frequently asked questions
Is Venlafaxine better than Citalopram? ▾
Venlafaxine and Citalopram are not "better or worse" — they treat different things. The sensible question is which fits your specific need.
Can Venlafaxine 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 Venlafaxine
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.