Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant prescribed primarily to treat depression and sometimes anxiety disorders. Combined, the antidepressant Citalopram and alcohol are a dangerous mixture that many people underestimate. This combination intensifies central nervous system depression, potentially causing extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination and judgment far beyond what either substance would cause independently.
As with other SSRIs, Citalopram typically takes several weeks to reach full therapeutic effect and requires consistent daily dosing. Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, increased sweating, drowsiness, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. Alcohol can also worsen Citalopram’s side effects, particularly nausea and headaches, while potentially reducing the medication’s effectiveness in treating depression.
More seriously, the combination may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by confusion, high fever, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. For these reasons, healthcare providers strongly advise against consuming alcohol while taking Citalopram, as the interaction poses serious risks, which can lead to drug addiction.
24/7 support availability,
start your recovery today!
What Happens If I Drink Alcohol While Taking Citalopram?
When you drink alcohol while taking Citalopram, you create a potentially dangerous interaction that affects both your brain chemistry and physical well-being. Alcohol amplifies Citalopram’s sedative effects, leading to excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and significantly impaired coordination and concentration beyond what you would experience from either substance alone.
Your reaction times slow dramatically, making activities like driving extremely dangerous. This combination also increases confusion and memory problems, as both substances affect cognitive function.
The interaction extends beyond immediate impairment to affect your treatment outcomes and health. Alcohol can counteract Citalopram’s antidepressant benefits by worsening mood symptoms and anxiety, essentially working against the medication’s therapeutic purpose.
This combination strains your liver, which must metabolize both substances simultaneously. Some people experience unexpected or heightened emotional responses, including increased aggression, impulsivity, or depressive thoughts.
In more severe cases, this interaction can lead to dangerous blood pressure changes, irregular heart rhythms, and rarely, an increased risk of serotonin syndrome—a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. Given these serious risks, healthcare providers consistently recommend avoiding alcohol entirely while taking Citalopram and attending alcohol rehab in Los Angeles if the issue persists.
Is It OK to Drink Alcohol While on Antidepressants?
Alcoholics who suffer from depression should avoid taking antidepressants, which is generally not recommended for several important reasons. Most antidepressants, including SSRIs like Citalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline, can cause increased drowsiness and impaired coordination when combined with alcohol.
This amplified sedative effect significantly increases your risk of accidents and injuries. The combination can also worsen side effects you might already experience from your medication alone, such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
Beyond these immediate effects, alcohol can directly counteract the therapeutic benefits of your antidepressant. Alcohol is itself a depressant that can worsen mood symptoms, anxiety, and sleep problems—essentially undermining the very conditions your medication is trying to treat.
Different classes of antidepressants carry different risks when mixed with alcohol: MAOIs can cause dangerous blood pressure spikes, tricyclic antidepressants may increase the risk of cardiac issues, and atypical antidepressants like bupropion can lower your seizure threshold when combined with alcohol.
If you’re finding it difficult to abstain from alcohol while on antidepressants, it’s important to discuss this honestly with your healthcare provider. They might be able to adjust your treatment plan or recommend additional support rather than you risking potentially dangerous interactions.
What Are the Long-Term Risks of Mixing Citalopram and Alcohol?
Regular consumption of alcohol while taking Citalopram can lead to serious long-term health consequences that extend well beyond the immediate effects. Chronic alcohol use can gradually reduce Citalopram’s effectiveness by interfering with serotonin regulation in the brain, potentially leading to treatment resistance and worsening depression symptoms over time.
This combination places a substantial strain on the liver, as both substances require liver metabolism, potentially leading to liver damage or dysfunction with prolonged use. The consistent interaction between these substances can contribute to persistent cognitive problems, including memory impairment and difficulty concentrating, which may not fully resolve even after stopping the combination.
The cardiovascular system also suffers from long-term exposure to this combination. Both alcohol and certain antidepressants can independently affect heart rhythm and blood pressure; together, they may accelerate cardiovascular issues, including hypertension and arrhythmias.
Individuals with this pattern of use often develop increased tolerance to both substances, leading to higher consumption of alcohol and potentially self-adjusting medication doses, further increasing health risks. Perhaps most concerning is the impact on mental health stability. This combination is associated with higher rates of depression relapse, increased suicidal ideation, and greater difficulty achieving sustained remission from mood disorders.
What Should You Do If You’ve Mixed Citalopram and Alcohol by Accident?
If you’ve accidentally mixed Citalopram and alcohol, your first priority is ensuring your immediate safety. Monitor yourself for concerning symptoms such as extreme dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, high fever, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
If you experience severe symptoms, call 911 or have someone take you to the emergency room immediately. Even with milder symptoms, having someone stay with you to monitor your condition is advisable.
Hydrate with water to help your body process both substances, but avoid consuming any more alcohol or taking additional medication unless directed by a medical professional. Once the immediate situation has passed, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to report what happened and receive guidance.
Find Help for Addiction to the Antidepressant Citalopram and Alcohol
Rehabilitation programs can provide vital support if you find yourself repeatedly mixing the antidepressant Citalopram and alcohol, whether accidentally or intentionally. Attending a rehab program could be a life-saving decision that addresses both your mental health needs and substance use challenges.
Support for prescription medication and alcohol addiction at Muse Treatment in Los Angeles begins with a thorough evaluation of both your mental health condition and substance use patterns. This dual-diagnosis approach ensures your depression or anxiety is properly treated while simultaneously addressing alcohol use issues. Our treatment specialists can help determine whether Citalopram remains the appropriate medication for you or if alternatives might be safer given your specific circumstances.
Muse Treatment offers various levels of support, from intensive inpatient programs for those with serious interaction issues to outpatient services for individuals needing less intensive intervention. We also provide ongoing support through aftercare planning, regular check-ins, and connections to support groups.
Please contact Muse Treatment Center at 800-426-1818 to discover more about our professional treatment for drug and alcohol addiction today.
External Sources
- Healthline – Celexa and Alcohol: Potential Problems
- Mayo Clinic – Antidepressants and alcohol: What’s the concern?
- National Library of Medicine – Effect of Citalopram on alcohol intake in heavy drinkers
