.
Citalopram is used to treat mental depression and is in a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants.
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)
Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) 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 GBE daily was effective in alleviating sexual side effects in
both men and women taking SSRIs.2 One case study reported that 180–240 mg of
GBE daily reduced genital anesthesia and sexual side effects secondary to fluoxetine use in a
37-year-old woman.3
Summary of Interactions for Citalopram
| Depletion or interference | None known |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | Gingko |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
| Other (see text) | Lithium |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
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.
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