Can I take Citalopram with supplements containing Tryptophan.

10 Sep 2009

This is from the drugs.com interaction checker for Citalopram and Tryptophan:

citalopram and tryptophan (Major Drug-Drug)

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of agents with serotonergic activity such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tryptophan may potentiate the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5-HT1A and 2A receptors. Symptoms of the serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucinations, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

MANAGEMENT: The concomitant use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tryptophan should be avoided.