The recall follows a patient complaint which helped identify that a pack of Sertraline 100mg film-coated tablets contained one blister strip of Citalopram 40mg film-coated tablets inside the sealed carton.   

Sertraline and citalopram are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat depression, anxiety disorders and related mental health conditions by boosting brain serotonin.  

Both SSRI medications are produced by the same manufacturer, at the same site, and the error appears to have occurred during secondary packaging of the blister strips into the cartons.   

Patients who believe they have already taken any Citalopram 40mg tablets by mistake or are experiencing side effects, are advised to seek medical advice immediately. 

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, said: ‘Patients who have accidentally taken citalopram instead of - or as well as - sertraline, may experience some heightened serotonergic side effects. These can include nausea, headache, sleep changes, and mild anxiety.'