Best Supplements to Take with Citalopram (and Which Ones to Avoid)
Quick Answer
Yes, most people can safely take supplements while taking citalopram.
Citalopram isn't known to routinely cause vitamin or mineral deficiencies. However, some supplements can interact with citalopram or increase the risk of side effects, so it's important to choose them carefully. Many people also look for supplements to support their overall wellbeing, focus, energy or sleep alongside their prescribed treatment.
That doesn't mean everyone taking citalopram needs supplements. The right choice depends on your symptoms, diet, lifestyle, overall health and any other medicines you're taking.
In this guide, we'll explain:
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Which supplements may be worth considering.
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Which supplements should be avoided or used with caution.
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How to choose high-quality supplements that complement a healthy lifestyle.
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When it's worth speaking to your GP or pharmacist.
Pharmacist's Verdict
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I take supplements with citalopram? | ✅ Yes, in most cases. |
| Does citalopram cause vitamin deficiencies? | ❌ Not routinely. |
| Are there supplements that may support overall wellbeing? | ✅ Yes, depending on your individual needs. |
| Are there supplements that should be avoided? | ✅ Yes — some supplements can interact with citalopram and should be used with caution. |
Where Should You Start?
If you're taking citalopram, the best approach is to choose supplements that support your overall health without increasing the risk of interactions. In most cases, supplements should complement a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle rather than replace them.
| Supplement | When to consider it | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| High-quality multivitamin | If you're looking for general nutritional support | Helps support your daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals. |
| Functional mushrooms | If you're looking to support focus, cognitive performance or everyday wellbeing | Lion's mane, cordyceps and chaga are popular choices for people looking to support cognitive function as part of a healthy lifestyle. |
| Magnesium | If your dietary intake is low | Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function, normal nervous system function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. |
| Omega-3 | If you don't regularly eat oily fish | Supports normal heart function and forms part of a balanced diet. |
| Vitamin D | If you have low sun exposure or are at risk of deficiency | Supports normal immune function, muscle function and bone health. |
The next section explores these supplements in more detail, including when they may be helpful and which supplements should be avoided while taking citalopram.
Supplements That May Be Worth Considering
Functional Mushrooms
Many people taking citalopram are interested in supporting their focus, cognitive performance and overall wellbeing alongside their prescribed treatment. Functional mushrooms such as lion's mane, cordyceps and chaga have become increasingly popular for these reasons.
Although they aren't intended to treat anxiety or depression, they may be a useful addition to a healthy lifestyle for some people.
(MYCO Morning contains organic lion's mane, cordyceps and chaga mushroom extracts, with no fillers or unnecessary additives.)
A High-Quality Multivitamin
A well-formulated multivitamin can help support your overall nutritional intake, particularly if your diet isn't always consistent. Look for one that uses bioavailable nutrient forms, avoids unnecessary fillers and provides balanced nutritional support.
(TRINITY is pharmacist formulated, uses bioavailable nutrient forms and separates nutrients across Morning, Day and Night formulations.)
Magnesium
If your dietary intake of magnesium is low, supplementation may be worth considering. Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function, normal nervous system function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
(Magnesium Complex contains magnesium bisglycinate and magnesium taurate with no magnesium oxide.)
Omega-3
If you rarely eat oily fish, an omega-3 supplement may help support your overall nutritional intake. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to normal heart function as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is common, particularly during the autumn and winter months in the UK. If you're at risk of deficiency or have been advised your levels are low, supplementation may be appropriate.
Supplements to Avoid (or Use with Caution)
Most supplements can be taken safely with citalopram. However, a small number can interact with the medication or increase the risk of side effects.
| Supplement | Recommendation | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| St John's wort | ⛔ Avoid | St John's wort can increase serotonin levels and should not be taken with citalopram due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. |
| 5-HTP | ⛔ Avoid | 5-HTP increases serotonin production and isn't recommended alongside citalopram. |
| L-Tryptophan | ⚠️ Avoid unless advised | L-tryptophan may increase serotonin levels and shouldn't routinely be combined with citalopram. |
| Mood support supplements containing multiple active ingredients | ⚠️ Check the label | Some products contain serotonin-boosting ingredients that may not be suitable to take with SSRIs. |
If you're considering a supplement to support your mood, stress or anxiety, check the ingredients carefully and speak to your GP or pharmacist if you're unsure. Products labelled as "natural" can still interact with prescription medicines.
When Is It Worth Seeking Advice?
Most people can take supplements safely alongside citalopram. However, it's worth speaking to your GP or pharmacist if:
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You're considering a supplement marketed for mood, anxiety or depression.
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You're taking several supplements alongside citalopram.
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You've developed new or worsening side effects since starting a supplement.
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You're pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
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You have liver disease or another long-term medical condition.
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You're taking other medicines that affect serotonin levels.
If you experience symptoms such as agitation, confusion, muscle stiffness, tremors, a high temperature or severe diarrhoea after combining citalopram with another medicine or supplement, seek urgent medical attention, as these may be signs of serotonin syndrome.
Your healthcare professional can help you choose supplements that support your overall wellbeing while reducing the risk of interactions with citalopram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take supplements with citalopram?
Yes. Most supplements can be taken safely with citalopram. However, supplements that increase serotonin levels should generally be avoided unless recommended by your healthcare professional.
What are the best supplements to take with citalopram?
A high-quality multivitamin, functional mushrooms, magnesium, omega-3 and vitamin D may be worth considering depending on your diet, lifestyle and overall health goals.
Can I take functional mushrooms with citalopram?
Yes. There are no well-established interactions between citalopram and functional mushrooms such as lion's mane, cordyceps or chaga. They aren't intended to treat anxiety or depression, but some people choose to take them to support focus, cognitive performance and overall wellbeing.
Can I take magnesium with citalopram?
Yes. Magnesium can generally be taken safely with citalopram. It may be appropriate if your dietary intake is low or you're looking to support normal psychological function, nervous system function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Can I take omega-3 with citalopram?
Yes. Omega-3 supplements can generally be taken alongside citalopram and may be worth considering if you don't regularly eat oily fish.
Can I take St John's wort with citalopram?
No. St John's wort shouldn't be taken with citalopram because it can increase serotonin levels and raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Can I take 5-HTP with citalopram?
No. 5-HTP isn't recommended alongside citalopram because it may increase serotonin levels and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Can I take vitamin D with citalopram?
Yes. Vitamin D can generally be taken safely with citalopram and may be appropriate if you have low vitamin D levels or an increased risk of deficiency.
Should I stop taking citalopram if I want to take supplements?
No. Continue taking citalopram exactly as prescribed. If you're unsure whether a supplement is suitable, speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting it rather than stopping your medication.
