Can I Drink Coffee While Taking Citalopram?
Citalopram is a type of antidepressant medication commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. As with many types of antidepressants, drinking coffee or any other caffeinated beverage is not recommended while taking citalopram.
Dr. Yusuf Ahmed, MD, is a psychiatrist with expertise in the fields of Psycho-oncology and Mood Disorders. He explains: “Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and caffeine is known to interfere with the effectiveness of this type of medication. Therefore, it is advised to avoid caffeine while you are taking citalopram.”
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) center for drug evaluation and research also has advice available for people who are taking citalopram or other antidepressants. They recommend avoiding caffeine or avoiding taking citalopram and caffeine together.
Caffeine is known to affect a person’s mood, behavior, and energy levels. While some people may turn to coffee when they feel overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious, it is important to note that such behavior is not considered a healthy way to cope with mental health issues. In fact, drinking coffee can worsen symptoms in people with anxiety or depression.
Dr. Ahmed further adds: “Caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety and make it harder to relax or sleep. It can also interfere with the action of citalopram and other SSRIs, increasing the risk of side effects. It’s best to avoid drinking coffee while taking citalopram as it is better to err on the side of caution.”
The information provided by the FDA and Dr. Ahmed is consistent with that from other mental health resources. The American Psychiatric Association does not advise consuming caffeine while taking citalopram or other SSRIs, and recommends avoiding caffeine altogether for those who are prone to panic attacks or anxiety.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) cites a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology which found that caffeine increased some of the adverse side effects of SSRIs, including nausea, insomnia, restlessness, headaches and agitation.
Finally, it’s important to note that citalopram is not the only antidepressant that interacts with coffee. In general, it is best to avoid drinking coffee while taking any type of antidepressant to ensure the best possible outcome.
Caffeine Alternatives
If you are taking citalopram, it is best to avoid caffeine or to consume it in moderation. But this does not mean having to forgo your morning cup of coffee altogether. There are many caffeine-free or low-caffeine options available, such as herbal or green tea, and decaf coffee or soda.
Herbal Teas are not only caffeine-free, but also provide a wide range of health benefits. Studies have found that certain herbs found in herbal teas can help promote relaxation and reduce stress. These include chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm. Green tea, as well, provides some caffeine, without the side effects associated with regular coffee.
If you’re looking for something a little more stimulating than herbal tea, there are some low- caffeine coffee options available. Decaf coffee is great for those who still want the flavor of coffee without the caffeine. The amount of caffeine found in decaffeinated coffee is significantly lower than that found in regular coffee.
If coffee is not your thing, there are plenty of other low-caffeine drinks to choose from. For example, there are caffeine-free carbonated drinks or natural soft drinks made from fruits and herbs. These can provide a nice alternative to coffee.
Therapeutic Benefits
It can be difficult to adjust to the new lifestyle when taking citalopram or other antidepressants. One of the best ways to cope is to find healthier alternatives to replace the bad habits that may have contributed to mental health problems in the first place.
Eliminating caffeine from your diet is only one small part of the puzzle. It is important to also focus on lifestyle changes that can help you cope more effectively with symptoms of depression or anxiety. Exercise, meditating, or talking to friends and family can be helpful in reducing stress, dealing with mood swings and improving self-esteem.
Studies have found that spending time in nature can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Engaging in activities such as walking, gardening, or bird watching can help you stay connected to your environment and ease stress. It is important to find activities that bring joy and satisfaction.
Similarly, talking to a professional mental health provider can help identify underlying issues and provide effective solutions. A therapist can help you through difficult times and provide support as you adjust to life with citalopram and other antidepressants.
High Risk Group
It is important to be aware that certain groups of individuals are at higher risk for mental health issues. Those struggling with addiction, those with a family history of mental illness, or those prone to anxiety or depression may be more likely to suffer from adverse side effects when taking citalopram or other SSRIs.
It is advised that these individuals avoid consuming caffeine while taking citalopram. If they do consume it, they should limit their intake as much as possible and avoid drinking caffeine late at night which can have an adverse affect on sleep.
It is also important for people in this group to find healthy coping strategies, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating nutritious meals. When lifestyle changes are combined with medication or professional therapy, it can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Dietary Considerations
Caffeine is not the only dietary factor to consider when taking citalopram or other antidepressants. It is also important to avoid alcohol while taking this medication as it can worsen side effects and make it harder to cope with stress.
Eating a balanced and healthy diet is also key to managing symptoms. Aim to include more whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables in your daily meals which can provide essential vitamins and minerals, and help reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Incorporating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, mackerel and walnuts may also benefit individuals taking antidepressants. Studies suggest that omega-3 supplements can be helpful in relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Also, eating dark chocolate can boost serotonin levels in the brain, which can help to improve mood. Similarly, adding complex carbohydrates such as oats or wholegrain bread to your diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels, and stabilize your mood.
