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What Is the Connection between Citalopram and Sleep?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

There can be a connection between citalopram and sleep problems in some patients. This Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) can be recommended to treat depression, anxiety, and related problems. Disordered sleeping habits are a common side effect, though they are often manageable with some lifestyle adjustments. Patients who experience extreme insomnia may need to consider switching to a different medication to see if this resolves the problem.

The interaction between citalopram and sleep appears to be the result of changes to the brain chemistry that occur when people take this medication. This drug alters the supply of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter, to address chemically-rooted causes of depression. Changes in the neurotransmitter balance can also have an impact on sleep habits. Patients may feel more energetic on this medication and this can make it hard to get to sleep.

Citalopram is often taken in the morning to avoid any possible sleep interruptions.
Citalopram is often taken in the morning to avoid any possible sleep interruptions.

Patients can find it helpful to take their dose in the morning. This allows the medication to act during the day, when people want to have high energy levels, and allows them to adjust by evening. Some other changes that can help people sleep better can include not exercising right before bed, avoiding naps late in the afternoon, and keeping the bedroom cool and quiet. People who find that they have trouble with citalopram and sleep should also try to establish a sleeping schedule to make it easier to create a pattern.

If antidepressants appear to be triggering an elevated mood, or mania, the patient might need a mood stabilizer to counteract the antidepressant.
If antidepressants appear to be triggering an elevated mood, or mania, the patient might need a mood stabilizer to counteract the antidepressant.

Lying awake in bed can make sleep problems worse. Patients may have a hard time getting to sleep when they’re worried about sleeping. If a problem with citalopram and sleep develops, getting up to do something quiet like reading or knitting in another part of the house for 20 minutes is a good idea. At the end of this activity, the patient can try going back to bed to see if it’s possible to sleep. White noise machines can also help for someone experiencing a problem with citalopram and sleep, as they can dampen external sounds and make it easier to relax in bed.

Doing something quiet, like reading, helps some individuals go to sleep.
Doing something quiet, like reading, helps some individuals go to sleep.

Sleep problems are not uncommon for patients taking antidepressants. In some cases, medication may be recommended on a temporary basis to help people sleep while they adjust to the medication. If antidepressants appear to be triggering an elevated mood, or mania, the patient might need a mood stabilizer to counteract the antidepressant. Mood stabilizers can help address sleep problems by leveling out the patient’s mood and reducing the giddy energy associated with mania.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

@ysmina-- I'm also having a hard time sleeping on this medication. My doctor had said that it would help with my anxiety/depression and also my insomnia but it hasn't happened yet. I can't believe this medication makes some people sleepy.

Apparently, it takes six months for citalopram to really work and for our body to adjust to the medication. It's only been four months for me, so I'm going to continue taking it because it has reduced my anxiety. If after six months, I still have sleep issues, I'm going to ask my doctor to switch me to something else.

ysmina
@fify-- What kind of effect is citalopram having on your sleep quality and how long you sleep?

I've been having a harder time falling asleep since I started this medication and I also have a harder time waking up. Is anyone else experiencing this?

fify

When I first started taking citalopram, I was taking it during the day. But then I realized that it makes me sleepy and tired the entire day. I mentioned it to my doctor and he said to take it before I go to bed. This has worked much better for me. I still have fatigue a a side effect of citalopram but at least I can stay awake during the day now. I do have to have a cup or two of coffee to help me though.

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    • Citalopram is often taken in the morning to avoid any possible sleep interruptions.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Citalopram is often taken in the morning to avoid any possible sleep interruptions.
    • If antidepressants appear to be triggering an elevated mood, or mania, the patient might need a mood stabilizer to counteract the antidepressant.
      By: Alliance
      If antidepressants appear to be triggering an elevated mood, or mania, the patient might need a mood stabilizer to counteract the antidepressant.
    • Doing something quiet, like reading, helps some individuals go to sleep.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Doing something quiet, like reading, helps some individuals go to sleep.
    • Citalopram is the generic version of Celexa®.
      By: ivolodina
      Citalopram is the generic version of Celexa®.
    • Disordered sleeping habits are a common side effect of citalopram.
      By: bramgino
      Disordered sleeping habits are a common side effect of citalopram.