Citalopram is used to treat mental
depression and is in a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
(SSRI) antidepressants.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May Be Beneficial: Side effect
reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or
severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication. |
Ginkgo
|
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. |
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)*
L-tryptophan*
|
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Lithium
|
| Depletion or interference |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Lithium
Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts
to treat mood disorders such as manic-depression. Taking lithium at the same time as
citalopram can either increase the effectiveness of citalopram or increase the likelihood of
developing side effects.1 Therefore, people taking citalopram together with
lithium-containing supplements should contact their healthcare practitioner if they experience
side effects, such as nausea, dry mouth, or sleep disturbances.
Interactions with Herbs
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba extract may reduce the side effects experienced by some persons taking
SSRIs such as fluoxetine or sertraline. An open-label study with elderly,
depressed persons found that 200–240 mg of ginkgo per day was effective in alleviating
sexual side effects in both men and women taking SSRIs.2 One case study reported
that 180 to 240 mg of GBE daily reduced genital anesthesia and sexual side effects secondary
to fluoxetine use in a 37-year-old woman.3
5-HTP and L-tryptophan
Citalopram increases serotonin activity in the brain. 5-HTP and L-tryptophan are converted
to serotonin in the brain, and taking either of these compounds with citalopram may increase
citalopram-induced side effects. Dietary supplements of L-tryptophan (available only by
prescription from special compounding pharmacists) taken with paroxetine (a drug that has
similar actions as citalopram) caused headache, sweating, dizziness, agitation, restlessness,
nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.4
Some doctors have used small amounts of L-tryptophan in combination with SSRIs, to increase
their effectiveness. However, because of the potential for side effects, 5-HTP and
L-tryptophan should never be taken in combination with citalopram or other SSRIs, unless a
doctor is closely monitoring the combination. Foods rich in L-tryptophan do not appear to
interact with citalopram or other SSRIs.
References:1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ:
Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 1073–7.
2. Cohen AJ, Bartlik B. Ginkgo biloba for antidepressant-induced
sexual dysfunction. J Sex Marital Therapy 1998;24:139–45.
3. Ellison JM, DeLuca P. Fluoxetine-induced genital anesthesia relieved
by Ginkgo biloba extract. J Clin Psychiatry 1998;59:199–200.
4. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Antidepressants,
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St.
Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1997.