Coffee & Citalopram
Coffee is one of the most popular caffeine-rich beverages in the world. On the other hand, citalopram is an antidepressant utilized in the treatment of major depressive disorders. There are certain potential interactions between coffee and citalopram which need to be taken into consideration.
Coffee is known to contain naturally-occurring compounds such as tannins and caffeine. Caffeine functions as a stimulant, which is why coffee consumption has been associated with increased alertness and reduced fatigue. Meanwhile, citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor which works to elevate mood by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Taking citalopram along with coffee could potentially boost alertness while at the same time enhancing the antidepressant effect of the medication.
What Do the Studies Say?
Several studies have looked into the effects of combining coffee with citalopram. A 2016 study in the journal BMC Psychiatry found that coffee consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of depression among individuals taking citalopram. Further research published in Brain & Behavior in 2018 also suggested that coffee might reduce depressive symptoms among citalopram users.
However, anecdotal reports from psychiatrists and other clinicians suggest that coffee and citalopram shouldn’t be taken together. According to some experts, caffeine found in coffee can induce anxiety and other side effects such as headaches and dizziness, which may be exacerbated by the use of citalopram.
What Should You Consider?
Before combining coffee and citalopram, it is advisable to consider your health and lifestyle: do you typically experience anxiety or other side effects as a result of drinking coffee? If you are taking citalopram, you may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and thus may not be able to tolerate coffee as well. If you are taking other medications, it is also important to consider potential interactions between them and citalopram.
It is also important to note that coffee consumption can interfere with the absorption of citalopram, which in turn can reduce its ability to effectively fight depression. For this reason, if you decide to drink coffee while on citalopram, be sure to separate your coffee consumption and citalopram intake by at least two hours. This will allow the body to fully absorb the medication and reduce the risk of side effects.
Expert Recommendations
Healthcare professionals generally advise against combining coffee and citalopram due to the potential for adverse interactions. While there is some evidence suggesting that coffee could potentially aid with the antidepressant effects of citalopram, the risk of side effects is simply too great.
It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid drinking coffee while taking citalopram. However, if you must drink coffee while on citalopram, be sure to limit your intake to no more than two cups per day and be sure to separate your coffee consumption and citalopram intake by an interval of at least two hours.
Dosage & Side Effects
The usual starting dose for citalopram is 20mg per day. The maximum dose does not usually exceed 60mg per day, although higher doses may be prescribed in certain cases. Since the effects of higher doses may be more pronounced, it is essential to be aware of potential interactions with coffee or other substances and to limit your intake as advised by your doctor.
When taken together with coffee, citalopram can be associated with some side effects such as headaches, nausea, and shakiness. If you notice any of these side effects after consuming coffee alongside citalopram, it is best to stop drinking coffee and consult your doctor for advice.
Non-Caffeinated Alternatives
If you want to enjoy the benefits of coffee but avoid the potential interactions of drinking coffee with citalopram, there are some alternative options available. Decaffeinated coffee or herbal tea are both caffeine-free, meaning that they can be consumed safely alongside citalopram. Decaffeinated coffee is particularly useful as it still has a pleasant flavor and aroma, making it a great substitute for regular coffee.
Other caffeine-free alternatives include hot water with lemon, kombucha, and herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos. All of these are safe to consume along with citalopram and can provide a pleasant and enjoyable alternative to coffee.
Coffee & Citalopram – What We Know So Far
Studies have suggested that coffee consumption could potentially reduce the risk of developing depressive symptoms among individuals taking citalopram. However, experts advise avoiding the combination of coffee and citalopram due to the potential for adverse reactions.
If you must consume coffee while taking citalopram, be sure to limit your intake to no more than two cups per day and separate your coffee consumption and citalopram intake by an interval of at least two hours. It is also advisable to look for non-caffeinated alternatives such as decaffeinated coffee, herbal teas, and kombucha which can be enjoyed safely alongside citalopram.
Coffee For Depression
Although the combination of coffee and citalopram might be best avoided, coffee on its own can still provide some benefits for depression. Studies have shown that coffee consumption is associated with a lowere risk of depression, perhaps due to its stimulating effects. Additionally, regular coffee consumption has also been linked to improved mood, enhanced alertness and concentration, and even a reduced risk of certain types of cancer.
Coffee can even help to improve overall health and wellbeing, as it is a great source of antioxidants. In turn, this means that coffee can improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and even improve cognitive function.
Decaffeinated Alternatives
Decaffeinated coffee is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to regular coffee for those who are worried about the potentially harmful effects of caffeine. Decaffeinated coffee still contains some amount of caffeine, but in much lower amounts than regular coffee. There are also many different types of decaffeinated coffee available, so there’s sure to be something to suit everyone’s taste.
It’s worth noting that decaffeinated coffee still retains some amount of caffeine, so it may still interact with citalopram. However, the interactions are likely to be much milder than with regular coffee, so it might still be worth a try.
Coffee & Citalopram – What’s the Verdict?
Overall, it appears that the combination of coffee and citalopram is best avoided due to the potential for adverse reactions. While there is some evidence that coffee might reduce the risk of depression among individuals taking citalopram, the potential for side effects is too great.
If you must consume coffee while on citalopram, be sure to limit your intake to no more than two cups per day and be sure to leave an interval of at least two hours between your coffee consumption and citalopram intake. It is also advisable to explore non-caffeinated alternatives such as decaffeinated coffee, herbal teas, and kombucha.
