Miya Pearson
Citalopram is a prescription drug used to treat major depressive disorder, commonly referred to as depression. It is available as an oral tablet or solution (liquid) and is usually taken once a day, in the morning or evening, with or without food. It is important to note that citalopram interacts with many other medications, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking citalopram with any other substances, including herbal sleeping tablets, to avoid potential interactions and side effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you take herbal sleeping tablets with citalopram? | It is not recommended to take herbal sleeping tablets with citalopram without consulting a doctor first. Citalopram interacts with many other medicines, and herbal supplements are not tested in the same way as prescription medicines. |
| What to do before taking citalopram? | Tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Read the medication guide carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. |
| What are the side effects of citalopram? | Common side effects include nausea, sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, and insomnia. Citalopram may also cause withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, breathing problems, chest pain, confusion, diarrhea, dizziness, and increased sweating if you suddenly stop taking it. |
| What are the dangers of taking citalopram? | Citalopram may increase the risk of bleeding problems and hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood). It can also cause sleepiness, affecting your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly. Drinking alcohol while taking citalopram can increase these effects. |
| What medicines should be avoided with citalopram? | St. John's Wort, a herbal remedy for depression, should not be taken with citalopram as it increases the risk of side effects. Other medicines to avoid include aspirin, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), and escitalopram (Lexapro). |
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What You'll Learn
St John's Wort increases the risk of side effects when taken with citalopram
Citalopram is a medication used to treat depression. It is important to note that you should not take citalopram unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Before taking citalopram, you should inform your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal products, or supplements you are using.
St. John's Wort, a herbal remedy for depression, should not be taken with citalopram. Taking St. John's Wort with citalopram can increase your risk of side effects. In a study comparing St. John's Wort, citalopram, and a placebo, 84.6% of the St. John's Wort group, 100% of the citalopram group, and 91.3% of the placebo group reported new adverse events or the exacerbation of existing ones. While the adverse event profile was generally benign, a notable percentage of participants experienced gastrointestinal and sleep problems.
Furthermore, a major drug interaction exists between St. John's Wort and citalopram. Combining these two substances may cause life-threatening symptoms such as sudden and severe headaches, confusion, blurred vision, problems with speech or balance, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, seizures, and sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body.
Therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal supplements or medications alongside citalopram to ensure your safety and avoid potential complications.
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Citalopram may be taken with or without food
Citalopram is a prescription drug used to treat major depressive disorder, commonly referred to as depression. It is available as a brand-name drug called Celexa and as a generic drug. It is usually taken once a day, in the morning or evening, and can be taken with or without food.
It is important to note that citalopram interacts with many other medicines and herbal supplements. Therefore, it is crucial to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you are taking before starting citalopram. This includes commonly used herbal supplements like St. John's Wort, which is known to increase the risk of side effects when taken with citalopram. Other herbal remedies and supplements have not been extensively tested for their interactions with citalopram, so it is important to exercise caution and seek professional advice.
Additionally, citalopram may cause sleepiness and affect your alertness or concentration. It is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking citalopram as it can enhance these effects. Citalopram may also increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with other medicines that have the same effect. It is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist about any concerns or questions regarding citalopram and its potential interactions with other substances.
It is worth noting that citalopram may take 1 to 4 weeks before you notice its full benefits. It should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor, and any adjustments to the dosage or frequency should be made under medical supervision. It is generally advised to continue taking citalopram even if you feel well, and gradual dose reduction under medical guidance is recommended before completely discontinuing the medication.
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Citalopram can cause sleepiness and affect your ability to make decisions
Citalopram is a prescription drug used to treat major depressive disorder, commonly referred to as depression. It is available as a brand-name drug called Celexa and as a generic drug. It is usually taken once a day, in the morning or evening, with or without food.
Citalopram can cause sleepiness, which may affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly. This is one of the common side effects of the drug, along with nausea, weakness, dizziness, and insomnia. If you experience any of these side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
It is important to note that citalopram may interact with several other medications, herbal supplements, and even alcohol. These interactions can cause different effects, such as interfering with how well the drug works or increasing side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking before starting citalopram.
Some specific herbal supplements and medications that should not be taken with citalopram include St. John's wort, tryptophan, cimetidine (Tagamet), aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Mixing citalopram with these substances can increase the risk of side effects or lead to a condition called serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
Additionally, citalopram should not be taken with other drugs that affect heart rhythm, as it may increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythm changes. It is also important to consult your doctor before taking citalopram with any over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or supplements, as they may have interactions that require adjustments or alternative treatments.
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Citalopram may pass into breast milk
Citalopram is an antidepressant medication. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While it is generally safe for use, there are some important considerations to keep in mind, especially for women who are breastfeeding.
Some cases of minor behavioural side effects, such as drowsiness or fussiness, have been reported in infants exposed to citalopram through breast milk. However, it is important to note that no adverse effects on development have been found in infants who have been followed for up to a year. If you notice any side effects in your baby, such as increased sleepiness, fussiness, or difficulty feeding or gaining weight, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away.
While breastfeeding while taking citalopram, it is recommended to avoid breastfeeding during the drug absorption phase, as the amount of citalopram passed to the infant may be higher during this period. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for infants during the first 6 months and up to 2 years as a supplement. Human milk provides essential nutrients and strengthens the immune system of the infant, and breastfeeding also increases mother-child bonding.
It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks of breastfeeding while taking citalopram. They can advise you based on your individual circumstances and provide guidance on the safest approach for you and your baby.
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Citalopram interacts with many other medicines
Citalopram is a prescription drug used to treat major depressive disorder, commonly referred to as depression. It is available as a brand-name drug called Celexa and as a generic drug. It is usually taken once a day, in the morning or evening, with or without food.
Some specific medicines and substances that interact with citalopram include:
- St. John's Wort, an herbal supplement for depression, which increases the risk of side effects and can cause serotonin syndrome when taken with citalopram.
- Tryptophan and cimetidine (Tagamet).
- Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), which may further increase the risk of bleeding associated with citalopram.
- Alcohol, which can increase the risk of sleepiness and affect alertness and concentration.
- Other antidepressants, which may increase the risk of bleeding, bruising, and serotonin syndrome.
- Medications that affect heart rhythm, as citalopram may also impact heart rhythm and increase the risk of a serious condition called long QT syndrome.
It is important to note that this list may not be exhaustive, and other medications not mentioned here may also interact with citalopram. Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new medication, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter drugs, while also taking citalopram.
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Frequently asked questions
You should not take herbal sleeping tablets with citalopram without first consulting your doctor. Citalopram interacts with many other medicines and herbal supplements, and can cause side effects such as sleepiness, which may affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly.
Common side effects of citalopram include nausea, sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, and insomnia. In rare cases, citalopram may cause hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) and increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
Do not suddenly stop taking citalopram without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce your dosage over time to decrease the chance of withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, dizziness, and nausea.
Before taking citalopram, tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Additionally, inform your doctor about any current or past health conditions, including bipolar disorder, depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, and pregnancy.
