We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Mental

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is the Connection between Citalopram and Sleep?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 26,313
References
Share

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.

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.

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.

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.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

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

Discussion Comments
By serenesurface — On Sep 08, 2013

@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.

By ysmina — On Sep 08, 2013
@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?

By fify — On Sep 07, 2013

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.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-the-connection-between-citalopram-and-sleep.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.