Does Citalopram Interact With Omeprazole? (3+ Tips)

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 Omeprazole. 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 Omeprazole?

Citalopram can interact with Omeprazole. However, this interaction is uncommon and typically occurs in patients with underlying heart disease.

Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors. It works by reducing the production of stomach acid through the inhibition of the proton pump in the gastric parietal cells, thus treating conditions related to excess stomach acids such as heartburn and ulcers (1).

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

Citalopram is commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects such as heartburn and acid reflux. The use of Omeprazole can mitigate these side effects when taken with Citalopram.

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 combination and report any concerning symptoms to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.

What does research suggest?

Although the interaction between Citalopram and Omeprazole is rare, it can be severe and life-threatening in susceptible individuals.

Doctors often prescribe Omeprazole and Citalopram together in older adults. One study indicated that when these medications are taken together by elderly patients, they can have a notable impact on prolonging the QT interval of the heart even if Citalopram is taken at the recommended dose according to the FDA’s updated guidelines. This prolonged QT interval can be concerning for heart health (3)

Another study also demonstrated the effect in a larger population, individuals who used either Citalopram or Omeprazole alone, or in combination, had a higher risk of experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) (4).

Potential effects of Citalopram-Omeprazole interaction

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

Therapeutic effects

While Citalopram is commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, it may cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as heartburn, acid reflux, vomiting etc.

When Citalopram is taken in combination with Omeprazole, the gastric disturbances associated with the antidepressant caused by Citalopram can be mitigated. This results in improved GI conditions.

Adverse effects

Both Citalopram and Omeprazole can inhibit an enzyme system in the body known as CYP2C19, which may lead to higher levels of each medication in the bloodstream.

This interaction could potentially increase the risk of side effects or adverse effects of both drugs such as QT interval prolongation and affecting heart rhythm which can be severe and life-threatening.

Therefore, it is suggested that concurrent use of drugs that cause QT prolongation, such as Omeprazole and Citalopram, may cause a synergistic effect, leading to an increased risk of cardiac effects especially in patients with underlying heart issues.

Symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia when Citalopram and Omeprazole are taken together include (5):

Dizziness
Syncope
Palpitations

Always reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience any of the above symptoms.

Alternatives to Omeprazole while taking Citalopram

If you are taking Citalopram and need an alternative to Omeprazole for managing acid reflux or heartburn, there are several options to consider.

Antacids (Tums, Rolaids): These provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid.

Lifestyle modification: Dietary and lifestyle changes can help reduce acid reflux. These include avoiding triggering foods, eating smaller meals, not lying down immediately after eating and maintaining a healthy weight.

Natural remedies: Some people find relief from acid reflux symptoms by using natural remedies like yoghurt, aloe vera or apple cider vinegar. However, the effectiveness of these remedies can vary.

Quit smoking: Quit smoking, as it is also associated with increased stomach acid production.

Ensuring the safe and effective use of Citalopram and Omeprazole together

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

Always take these medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
It is recommended to be cautious while using Omeprazole and Citalopram together, especially in patients with underlying heart issues.
Close ECG monitoring is recommended to prevent QT prolongation associated with the concurrent use of Citalopram and Omeprazole.
Do not take these medications at the same time. Taking these medications 2-3 hours apart can reduce the risk of side effects.
It is not recommended to discontinue Citalopram without consulting your healthcare provider since abrupt discontinuation of Citalopram increases the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Inform your healthcare provider about any side effects promptly. They may adjust the dosage of two medications or may switch to another medication if required.

Conclusion

Citalopram and Omeprazole can potentially interact when taken together. This interaction could have implications for an individual’s health. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits when co-prescribing these drugs and to monitor patients for any adverse effects or interactions.