Can You Take Citalopram And Quetiapine Together? (5 Risks)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

View More north_east

In this article, we will answer the query: “Can you take Citalopram and Quetiapine together?”. Furthermore, we will explore the research findings, benefits, potential risks, and precautions to be taken when using Citalopram and Quetiapine combination.

Can you take Citalopram and Quetiapine together?

Yes, you can take Citalopram and Quetiapine together but only if prescribed by your healthcare provider.

This combination is well-tolerated and effective for use in conditions like unipolar psychotic depression, major depressive disorder (MDD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); however, certain precautions must be considered while using this combination therapy.

What does research suggest?

In a research study, adult patients with severe depression and a lot of physical complaints were administered a combination of Quetiapine and Citalopram. They were examined for their depression and psychotic symptoms. Patients felt better and did not experience any serious side effects (1,2).

In another study, patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who were taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Citalopram experienced side effects like teeth grinding, jaw problems, restlessness, and insomnia due to the antidepressant medication.

Researchers gave these patients a low dose of Quetiapine (between 25 and 50mg each day). Quetiapine helped reduce these side effects, allowing patients to continue their antidepressant treatment.

Additionally, low doses of Quetiapine (between 12.5mg and 100mg each day) can be used to alleviate insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness due to its calming effect (3).

Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who had not taken any medication before were also examined in a research study.

They were administered Quetiapine and Citalopram, and the results suggested that the patients using Quetiapine with Citalopram had better results in reducing their OCD symptoms compared to the patients taking Citalopram alone (4).

What are the benefits of using Citalopram with Quetiapine?

The benefits of using Citalopram and Quetiapine are as follows:

Quetiapine is an add-on treatment for patients using Citalopram for unipolar psychotic depression, MDD, and OCD.
Quetiapine has calming effects, which can improve the quality of sleep in patients who experience insomnia with Citalopram.
Quetiapine reduces the side effects of Citalopram, such as teeth grinding, restlessness, or jaw problems.

However, it is important to note that not everyone benefits from this combination therapy of Citalopram and Quetiapine as the physiological responses may vary from person to person. Therefore, your doctor may evaluate the benefits and risks ratio before prescribing this combination therapy.

What are the side effects related to Citalopram and Quetiapine combination?

The combination of Citalopram and Quetiapine may cause some additive side effects, including:

Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Indigestion or constipation
Stomach pain
Changes in appetite
Dry mouth
Headaches
Concentration problems
Joint pain
Abnormal bleeding or bruising
Seizures (5,7)

What are the potential risks of taking Citalopram and Quetiapine together?

The potential risks of taking Citalopram and Quetiapine together may include an increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms, high or low blood pressure, elevated fat levels in the blood, and blood sugar levels, which can worsen your diabetes (5).

Additionally, there is an FDA warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts or self-harm in younger patients using Citalopram, so close monitoring should be done (6).

What precautions should be taken while using Citalopram with Quetiapine?

The following precautions must be taken when using Citalopram with Quetiapine:

Do not take Citalopram and Quetiapine together if you are allergic to any of these medications.
Your doctor must monitor you when starting or adjusting the dosage.
Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
Inform your doctor if you have any family or medical history, such as diabetes.
Do not Quetiapine if you plan to become pregnant, as it can reduce fertility in women (7).
Doctors should consider using a lower dose when giving Quetiapine to older people (age 70 and above), or people taking certain other medications.
Do not take Quetiapine with Carbamazepine, as it reduces the efficacy of Quetiapine (8).
Electrolyte levels should be monitored in the long-term use of Citalopram.
Do not use Citalopram if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), Thioridazine, Pimozide, Methylene blue, Linezolide, or Dapoxetine (6,7).
Do not consume alcohol while taking these medications, as it can intensify the side effects.
Drink plenty of water while using this combination of Citalopram and Quetiapine.
Take the medication at the same time each day as prescribed by your doctor.

Conclusion

You can take Citalopram and Quetiapine together, and this combination can be effective in treating various mental health conditions, such as unipolar psychotic depression, MDD, and OCD.

The combination of Citalopram and Quetiapine can be a valuable treatment option, but it is essential to be aware of potential risks, monitor your health, and follow your doctor’s guidance closely.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

References

1.-

Konstantinidis A, Hrubos W, Nirnberger G, Windhager E, Lehofer M, Aschauer H, Kasper S. Quetiapine in combination with citalopram in patients with unipolar psychotic depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Jan 30;31(1):242-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2006.07.002. Epub 2006 Sep 7. PMID: 16962224. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16962224/

2.-

Quante A, Regen F, Schindler F, Volkmer K, Severus E, Urbanek C, Luborzewski A, Roepke S, Anghelescu I. Quetiapine as combination treatment with citalopram in unipolar depression with prominent somatic symptoms: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Psychiatr Danub. 2013 Sep;25(3):214-20. PMID: 24048387. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24048387/

3.-

Zandifar A, Mohammadi MR, Badrfam R. Low-Dose Quetiapine in the Treatment of SSRI-Induced Bruxism and Mandibular Dystonia: Case Series. Iran J Psychiatry. 2018 Jul;13(3):227-229. PMID: 30319707; PMCID: PMC6178332. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6178332/

4.-

Vulink NC, Denys D, Fluitman SB, Meinardi JC, Westenberg HG. Quetiapine augments the effect of citalopram in non-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 76 patients. J Clin Psychiatry. 2009 Jul;70(7):1001-8. doi: 10.4088/JCP.08m04269. Epub 2009 Jun 2. PMID: 19497245. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19497245/

5.-

Maan JS, Ershadi M, Khan I, Saadabadi A. Quetiapine. 2023 Jan 22. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29083706. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29083706/

6.-

Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. 2021 Dec 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29489221. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29489221/

7.-

MedlinePlus[Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US);2023. Citalopram; [updated 2022 Jan 15; cited 2023 JUL 10]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html

8.-

Castberg I, Skogvoll E, Spigset O. Quetiapine and drug interactions: evidence from a routine therapeutic drug monitoring service. J Clin Psychiatry. 2007 Oct;68(10):1540-5. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v68n1011. PMID: 17960969. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17960969/

Pharmaceuticals and Medications

Diseases & Conditions

Can you take Citalopram and Quetiapine together? (5 risks)