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
(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
|
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
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.
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Learn more about the authors of Using
Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs
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 March 2005.