Demographic, co-intoxicants and other characteristics of citalopram-involved overdose deaths

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) including citalopram are commonly used antidepressants that can be involved in drug-related deaths along with opioids and other substances. This study characterized citalopram involvement in West Virginia (WV) drug-related deaths compared to other SSRI and non-SSRI-related deaths. All 2005–2021 WV drug-related deaths were analyzed in this retrospective study. Demographics, other substances involved, and comorbidities in cases in which citalopram was listed on the death certificate were compared to other SSRI-related and total non-SSRI deaths. Citalopram concentrations and the association between citalopram presence with predicted fentanyl concentrations were determined. Citalopram was the most common antidepressant present in the deaths (4.5% of 14,363 total), with most (81%) unintentional. Male: female ratios in citalopram cases (0.9:1) were significantly lower than in non-SSRI deaths (2.3:1). Almost two-thirds of citalopram deaths had ≥ 4 substances involved compared to 26% of non-SSRI deaths. Overall, oxycodone was most frequently identified in citalopram deaths (fentanyl more commonly in recent years), followed by alprazolam and diazepam. Cardiovascular comorbidity was significantly more common in citalopram than non-SSRI deaths. No association was found between citalopram presence and predicted fentanyl concentrations. Most citalopram-related deaths were unintentional and involved proportionately more females, with larger numbers of concurrent substances present and more cardiovascular comorbidity compared to non-SSRI deaths. Citalopram is widely used and less toxic than many antidepressants. The extent to which it contributed to overdose deaths can be difficult to ascertain given the multiple substances usually present.