Does citalopram contain calcium? (7 precautions)

In this article, we aim to answer the  query: “Does citalopram contain calcium?” Furthermore, we will discuss whether citalopram affects calcium levels in the body, the use of citalopram and calcium combination, potential side effects and precautions while using the combination.  

Does citalopram contain calcium?

No, citalopram does not contain calcium. Citalopram, also known as Celexa, contains the active ingredient citalopram hydrobromide and other inactive ingredients which are used in the formation of tablets and oral solutions.

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that is FDA-approved to treat depression in adults. Citalopram can also be used in clinical settings to treat panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and related disorders (1). 

Can citalopram affects calcium levels in the body?

According to a research study, citalopram was found to affect the calcium levels in the body at the cellular level. Citalopram may slow down the movement of calcium within cells when taken in low doses and even at higher doses it may slow down the movement a bit more (2). 

Citalopram contains citalopram hydrobromide which is the main ingredient and works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter in the synaptic regions of the brain. Serotonin regulates the body’s response to stress, sleep, mood, and appetite (1).

Can citalopram and calcium be taken together?

Citalopram and calcium can be taken together only when prescribed by your healthcare provider. When calcium and citalopram are taken at the same time, calcium may affect the absorption and effectiveness of citalopram. 

The timings of intake of calcium and citalopram should be decided by your healthcare provider. However, this combination may not be suitable for some individuals as everyone differs in their physiological responses to the medication.

Calcium is an essential molecule that is involved in the biochemical processes in the body. Calcium is an important element in maintaining normal cardiac functions, bone integrity, and muscle health (3). 

Citalopram is a pharmaceutical drug, however, calcium is a naturally occurring element that is present in certain foods such as eggs, milk, yoghurt etc and is also available in the form of calcium supplements. 

What are the side effects of citalopram and calcium combination?

Citalopram and calcium combination may cause some common gastrointestinal side effects that include: 

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea or constipation 
  • Bloating 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Weight changes 
  • Insomnia 
  • Fatigue (4,5)

What precautions should be taken while using citalopram and calcium combination?

The following precautions should be taken while using a combination of citalopram and calcium: 

  • Tell your doctor if you are allergic to citalopram or calcium.
  • Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines or supplements. 
  • Your doctor must be aware of your family or medical history. 
  • Citalopram may make you drowsy, therefore avoid driving or tasks which require concentration. 
  • Avoid alcohol as it may worsen the side effects of citalopram. 
  • Do not exceed the daily limit of calcium as it may lead to stomach upset or constipation. 
  • Long-term use of calcium may lead to kidney stones, therefore use calcium and citalopram combination exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider (4). 

As per my research analysis, citalopram does not contain calcium. Citalopram is an antidepressant and calcium is a mineral that is taken as a calcium supplement. No interactions have been found between citalopram and calcium, however, calcium may affect the absorption and effectiveness of citalopram when taken together.

Do not start taking any supplement along with antidepressant treatment without consulting your healthcare provider. The timings of citalopram and calcium should be advised by your healthcare provider. There are certain side effects that you may experience while taking the combination of citalopram and calcium. However, if the side effects worsen or persist, please reach out to your healthcare provider. 

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References

1.-

Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. 2023 Nov 7. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29489221. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29489221/

2.-

Kagaya A, Kugaya A, Hayashi T, Okamoto Y, Takebayashi M, Uchitomi Y, Yamawaki S. Effect of citalopram on the desensitization of serotonin-2A receptor-mediated calcium mobilization in rat glioma cells. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 1996 Jan;20(1):157-66. doi: 10.1016/0278-5846(95)00290-1. PMID: 8861185. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8861185/

3.-

Drake TM, Gupta V. Calcium. 2022 Nov 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32491615. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32491615/

4.-

Citalopram-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 01/15/2022]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html

5.-

Calcium-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Review Date 2/28/2023]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007477.htm

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