What are the differences between fluoxetine and citalopram?

They are similar: Fluoxetine and citalopram are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors so they are in the same class of medicines. Fluoxetine is the oldest medicine in the class and has a long chemical half-life. Citalopram is much newer, has a shorter half-life and fewer side effects. They are both used to treat depression, anxiety and some other illnesses.

See below: They belong to the same class but have different side effect profiles and length of action inside the body. Citalopram http://www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/pubmedhealth/pmh0001041/ fluoxetine http://www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/pubmedhealth/pmh0000885/.