Citalopram is an antidepressant drug belonging to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In reality, citalopram is a raceme, i.e. it consists of a mixture of the enantiomers S-citalopram and R-citalopram.
(R, S) - Citalopram - Chemical Structure
It was discovered by the pharmaceutical chemist Lundbeck in an attempt to invent a new antidepressant drug capable of inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake. Lundbeck managed to synthesize two new molecules (talopram and tasulopram), however, he did not continue with the trials due to the numerous suicide attempts that were recorded during the clinical studies. Lundbeck, however, did not give up and - by making changes to the chemical structure of talopram - managed to synthesize citalopram.
Citalopram went on the market in the United States in 1996 and is considered the most selective SSRI there is and, therefore, has fewer side effects than other antidepressants.
