Is it safe to take ibuprofin and the SSRI Citalopram together?

Question

I take 20mg of the Citalopram

Hi thought id mention I take them for anxiety, panik attacks and mild OCD and they relly help so although I will come of them in the future at the moment along with counselling they are really helping.

Answer 1

I used to take citalopram too, the good news is ibuprofen (and most over the counter painkillers) are fine.
One of the affects your pain receptors, the other works by upping the levels of serotonin in your blood, so there isn't any interaction.
The only common remedy I know of that you have to watch out for is Sudafed (decongestant) which can interfere with the action of the citalopram. It won't make you explode or anything, but may stop the citalopram working.
Also watch out for St John's Wort if you use natural remedies, as it can interfere, and it's very difficult to know what dose of the active ingredient you're taking in any given capsule. Ask your Dr before taking it.

Answer 2

I am also on meds for anxiety, as well as panic attacks, I take an SSRI and have for a few years now and I find them to be very helpful. I still have ativan available for me to take in case I am overwhelmed with panic or anxiety, however I try to utilize coping skills and stick to just taking the SSRI meds instead of taking the ativan to help calm me down. I dont know if that was helpful. I hope so though!

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

Ibuprophen:
Common adverse effects include: nausea, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal ulceration/bleeding, raised liver enzymes, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, priapism, salt and fluid retention, and hypertension.
Infrequent adverse effects include: oesophageal ulceration, heart failure, hyperkalaemia, renal impairment, confusion, bronchospasm, rash.
Citalopram:
Citalopram is safe and well-tolerated in the therapeutic dose range of 20 to 60 mg/day. Distinct from some other agents in its class, Citalopram exhibits linear pharmacokinetics and minimal drug interaction potential, making it a better choice for the elderly or comorbid patients.
Citalopram can have a number of adverse effects. In clinical trials, over 10% of patients reported one or more of the following side effects: fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased sweating (hyperhidrosis), trembling, headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances, cardiac arrythmia, blood pressure changes, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, heightened anorgasmia in females, impotence and ejaculatory problems in males. In rare cases (around over 1% of cases), some allergic reactions, convulsions, mood changes, anxiety and confusion have been reported.

Another uncommon side effect is bruxism (teeth grinding). When patients stop using Citalopram they may experience a feeling similar to electricity or minor shocks in their upper body and in their hands. This is caused by the chemical changes occurring in the brain and they pass with time. Occasionally, panic attacks, thoughts of suicide or self-harm may occur or increase in the first few weeks, before the antidepressant effect starts.

Citalopram and other SSRIs have been shown to cause sexual side effects in some patients, both males and females. Although usually reversible, these sexual side effects can sometimes last for months, years or possibly indefinitely even after the drug has been completely withdrawn. This disorder is known as Post SSRI Sexual Dysfunction.

Citalopram is contraindicated in individuals taking MAOIs. It is considered relatively safe in overdose, although fatal cases of dosages 840 mg to 1960 mg have been reported.

Discontinuation or withdrawal syndrome has been reported with commencing of treatment. Tapering of Citalopram therapy, as opposed to abrupt discontinuation, is recommended in order to diminish the occurrence of discontinuation symptoms.

Answer 5

hi, my wife is on the same medication & its ok..please double check with drs to be safe..best of all get off them.

Answer 6

i would assume it's fine.

if there was a risk it would be stated on the info that comes with you citalapram.

Answer 7

Yes, they don't effect each other