Celexa and Lexapro share which notable side effect?

• A. Prolonged QT interval
• B. Weight gain
• C. Sedation
• D. Hypertension

Answer: (A)

Both Celexa (citalopram) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are SSRIs, and a well-established safety concern they share is the potential to prolong the QT interval on the ECG, especially at higher doses. Prolonged QT can slow the heart’s repolarization and raise the risk of torsades de pointes, a potentially dangerous arrhythmia. The risk is dose-related for citalopram and can occur with escitalopram as well, with greater caution in older adults, those with heart disease, electrolyte disturbances, or those taking other QT-prolonging medicines. Because of this, dosing is limited and monitoring is advised. Sedation, weight gain, and hypertension are not the primary shared safety concerns for these drugs.