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What Are Possible Citalopram Interactions?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,422
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Citalopram interactions can include conflict with other antidepressant medications, drugs used to manage clotting disorders or cardiac problems, and some pain management medications. This drug is classified as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), used to treat depression, anxiety, and certain other conditions. Drug interactions can increase the intensity of side effects, including heart problems and increased risk of suicidal feelings. A doctor can review the specifics of a patient’s case to determine if citalopram would be safe, or if the patient’s existing medication regimen requires adjustment.

One concern with citalopram interactions is combination with other SSRIs, Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), or Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). These medications are not designed to be taken together. Patients who need to transition between different drugs in these classes need to taper off the original drug and wait to allow it to fully metabolize before taking the new medication. Other psychiatric medications including antipsychotics, sedatives, and mood stabilizers can also potentially conflict.

This drug has known effects on the heart and can combine badly with other drugs that affect heart rate. Asthma medications like albuterol, for example, can be dangerous, as can certain antibiotics. It also conflicts with medications used to manage clotting and bleeding disorders. Patients can be at risk of citalopram interactions like excessive bleeding if they take the medication with an anticoagulant like warfarin or aspirin.

Dietary supplements like tryptophan and St. John’s Wort can also cause citalopram interactions. These are sometimes recommended for treatment of depression, but shouldn’t be taken with citalopram and certain other medications because they can create conflicts. Patients preparing to start new psychiatric drugs should discuss everything they take, including supplements and herbs, in case there is a risk of interaction. While supplements are available over the counter, they are not necessarily harmless for all patients.

Alcohol can be generally safe for patients who take citalopram, but there are some concerns. In people with underlying depression, alcohol can increase the intensity of depression. For this reason, it’s not typically recommended for patients in treatment for severe depression. People taking citalopram for other reasons may be able to drink safely, and can discuss the situation with a care provider if they have questions. Recommendations involving citalopram interactions and alcohol tend to err on the side of caution to protect patients and people may find that their tolerance varies, depending on the drug and the situation.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Discussion Comments
By ddljohn — On Sep 08, 2013

I was negligent and did not check possible interactions between citalopram and serotonin supplements. I took a supplement with l-tryptophan which is a precursor to serotonin and encourages the body to produce more serotonin. I thought it would make the citalopram work better, but no.

I developed a terrible migraine the day I took these together. I was also nauseated and dizzy. It was scary. I think drugs that have similar effects become dangerous when they're mixed.

By turquoise — On Sep 07, 2013

@SarahGen-- I'm not sure, you should ask your pharmacist.

But I remember one time, I wanted to take a medication for nausea with antihistamines in it while I was on citalopram but couldn't. The label on the anti-nausea medication said not to mix it with antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications.

So don't take any cold medication without checking with your pharmacist first.

By SarahGen — On Sep 07, 2013

Is it safe to take an antihistamine medication with citalopram?

I have a cold and the only cold medication we have at home has antihistamines in it.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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