Citalopram 10mg: Cost, Savings, and How to Pay Less
Citalopram 10mg is a low-dose SSRI antidepressant for older patients and those starting therapy, with a Drug Tariff price of approximately 55p per pack.
How much does Citalopram 10mg cost on the NHS?
Citalopram 10mg has a Drug Tariff price of approximately 55p for a 28-tablets pack — a full month's supply. Yet NHS patients in England pay a flat £9.90 per item. With 12m items dispensed in 2024/25, Citalopram is one of the most prescribed drugs in England. Through RepeatsDirect, patients can access the same medication privately for £5.50/month.
How much does Citalopram 10mg actually cost?
The NHS Drug Tariff lists the reimbursement price for Citalopram 10mg at approximately 55p per 28-tablets pack. This is the price the NHS pays pharmacies for the drug itself. The NHS prescription charge of £9.90 covers this drug cost plus dispensing fees, administration, and a contribution to NHS services — but for cheap generic drugs, it represents a significant markup.
Drug Tariff cost
55p
per pack
NHS charge
£9.90
1,700% markup
Our price
£5.50
via private Rx
Citalopram has approximately 12m items dispensed annually in England (NHSBSA PCA 2024/25).
What is Citalopram used for?
Citalopram is an SSRI antidepressant used for depression and panic disorder. The 10mg dose is typically used for older adults (over 65) where lower starting doses are recommended, or for patients starting therapy who may be more sensitive to side effects.
The Drug Tariff price for Citalopram 10mg is approximately 55p per 28-tablet pack. The NHS charge of £9.90 is 18 times the drug cost.
RepeatsDirect can supply Citalopram 10mg for £5.50 per month via private prescription from our pharmacist independent prescriber.
How can you save money on Citalopram 10mg?
Patients in England who pay the prescription charge can switch to a private prescription for Citalopram 10mg and pay significantly less. Through RepeatsDirect, a qualified pharmacist independent prescriber conducts a short clinical review and issues a private prescription. You pay £5.50 per month — saving £4.40 per month, or £52.80 per year.
| Option | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| NHS prescription charge | £9.90 | £118.80 |
| RepeatsDirect (private Rx) | £5.50 | £66.00 |
| Annual PPC (unlimited NHS Rx) | £9.54/mo avg | £114.50 |
A PPC is better value if you pay for 12+ items per year. RepeatsDirect is better value if you pay for fewer items or only want to switch the cheapest drugs.
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