Does Citalopram Interact With Ambien? (3 Side Effects)

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

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In this article, we will discuss the interactions between Citalopram and Ambien (Zolpidem). We will also discuss what side effects one may experience by combining these two medications and how to manage the side effects associated with this interaction.

Does Citalopram interact with Ambien?

Yes, Citalopram can interact with Ambien (Zolpidem). Both Citalopram and Ambien are prescription medications used to manage various mental health conditions.

Ambien (Zolpidem), a non-benzodiazepine receptor modulator, is usually prescribed for insomnia and sleep disturbances (1).

Citalopram, on the other hand, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for treating depression and anxiety (2).

If your treatment plan involves both of these medications, it is important to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. You should closely monitor your response to this medication combination and report any concerning symptoms to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.

What does research suggest?

There is limited research indicating an interaction between Citalopram and Ambien. However, SSRIs in general can cause interactions when taken with Ambien (Zolpidem).

One study indicated that pharmacodynamic interactions involving serotonin reuptake inhibition and Zolpidem might result in extended episodes of Zolpidem-induced hallucinations in individuals who are particularly prone to such experiences (3).

Another study indicated that in a specific group of patients, a 10 mg dose of Ambien with an SSRI was found to be both safe and effective. This combination led to enhanced self-assessed sleep quality, daytime functionality, and overall well-being (4).

Other SSRIs also interact with Ambien like Zoloft. So it is important to use antidepressants and Ambien combination with caution.

Potential effects of Ambien-Citalopram interactions

Ambien-Citalopram interactions can have both therapeutic and adverse effects. These effects vary among individuals and are dependent on factors such as the dosage and time of administration of the medications and genetic differences in individuals.

Therapeutic effects

While Citalopram is primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, it may cause sleep disturbances in some individuals.

When taken together, the sleep disturbances are reduced because of the sedative effects of Ambien. This results in improved sleep quality and sleep duration and reduced awakening in individuals with insomnia.

Furthermore, Ambien muscle relaxant properties can be beneficial in managing Citalopram-induced muscle rigidity and spasms.

Adverse effects

Both Citalopram and Ambien can cause drowsiness and sedation as a side effect. When taken together, they may enhance these effects, leading to increased drowsiness, impaired coordination and slowed reaction times. This can be dangerous when performing activities which require mental alertness.

Both Ambien and Citalopram can indicate visual hallucinations with Ambien particularly prone to this side effect. When these two medications are taken together Citalopram may intensify or worsen Ambien-associated hallucinations.

Both Ambien and Citalopram affect the central nervous system. When taken together increases the risk of serotonin syndrome which is a rare but serious condition. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include confusion, increased blood pressure, tremors and seizures.

It is important to note that not everyone will experience the effects and the severity of interactions can vary. It is essential to use Ambien and Citalopram under the guidance of a healthcare provider who can carefully monitor your response and adjust the doses if needed.

Ensuring the safe and effective use of Ambien and Citalopram together

The following points should be considered to ensure the safe and effective use of Citalopram and Ambien together.

Always take this medication as directed by your healthcare provider.
Do not take these medications at the same time. If these medications are taken 2-3 hours apart, the risk of side effects becomes relatively low.
Do not consume alcohol while taking these medications as it can intensify the side effects.
Inform your healthcare provider about any side effects promptly. They may adjust the dosages of the two medications or may switch to another medication if required.

Conclusion

Individuals on dual therapy with Ambien and Citalopram should schedule regular check-ins with their healthcare provider. This approach promotes careful management of the medication combination, promoting treatment safety and effectiveness.