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CITALOPRAM
Citalopram is used to treat mental depression and is in a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants.
Safetychecker Summary
for Citalopram
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 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 biloba |
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 |
| Adverse interaction |
None known |
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
biloba
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
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.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of Safetychecker.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.
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