I recently came down with some stomach issues. For the first time in many years, I started having great anxiety again. I'm pretty sure the anxiety is caused by the health issues with my stomach. Have had several doctor visits, and just this last week they finally drew blood for lab work. I started taking Passion Flower Extract, capsule form, about 30 days ago. Taking the recommended amount of 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. While I know it has helped somewhat, I am not fully relieved of the anxiety. Before starting the Passion Flower, I could not leave my house. Now I can go to the store, but have to have someone with me at all times. At the last visit with doctor, I was prescribed Celexa, or Citalopram. The doctor highly recommended I get ahold of the anxiety before going further with testing for the stomach issues. So my question is, are there any known negative or positive interactions with Passion Flower and Citalopram? I am hesitant to stop the Passion Flower as it has helped somewhat, and I think it takes anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks for herbal supplements to show. Thank you so much for a place to write my question!
Are there issues with taking Passion Flower and Celexa (citalopram)?
Question posted by sahmkioby on 25 Feb 2011
Last updated on 25 February 2011
Answers
Hey sahmkioby,
It was not possible to check the pharmacological interaction between these two substances as passion flower is not in the list. However, I did want you to read the following:
The pharmacological activity of Passiflora is attributed primarily to the alkaloids and falvonoids. The harmala alkaloids inhibit monoamine oxidase, which may account for part of their pharmacologic effects. Harmala alkaloids include harmine, harmaline, and harmalol. Different parts of the plant and different species have varying amounts of the active alkaloids. The official passion flower is considered to be P. incarnate, which is used for the drug.
What I want to point out is the harmala alkaloids that inhibit monoamine oxidase. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) should not be taken with Celexa. An example of a MAOI is Parnate. If you check the interaction between Parnate and Celexa, it is not to be taken togther. Whether Passion Flower should be taken with Celexa, I can not say for sure, as I am not a pharmacist, but I would contact my pharmacist or doctor before continuing with this combination. Be sure the doctor or the pharmacist is aware that Passion Flower is a MAOI.
Best of luck to you,
Laurie
Thank you for your quick response LaurieShay! It was actually surprising to hear. I truly thought that there would not be any complications mixing the Passion Flower and the Celexa. Your answer doesn't say that there will be, but to be advised they should not be taken together. So now I wonder what to do about the Celexa. Being on the Passion Flower for long enough that it has shown some improvement makes me hesitant to stop taking it. The side effects I've read concerning Celexa are pretty scary. However, most of them do say to keep taking it as the side effects wear off within 1-2 weeks. I know that each body takes in medication differently, but any advice on this would also be greatly appreciated. Oh, and where did you find out about the pharmacological activity in Passion Flower? All research I've done just pulls up "all natural plant".
Hey again,
I read about Passion FLower at:
https://www.drugs.com/npp/passion-flower.html
I would consult a pharmacist or your doctor before mixing the two substances and be sure they know that Passion Flower is a MAOI. As I am not a chemist, I can not advise you any further, as much as I want to.
Hey,
Let me add that yes, antidepressants can have side effects, but as you mention they generally subside after being on the medication for a few weeks.
Once again, thank you!
I've decided to not take both the Passion Flower and Celexa. I will continue on the Passion Flower for another 1-2 weeks, at which time it should be at its full potential. Being on it for 4 weeks already, I'm so hesitant to switch. Do you know if there are any "weening off" effects from herbal supplements such as Passion Flower? If by the end of a week and half or so, I feel I need more help, I will make the switch to Celexa. I have read it is a pretty good med for treating anxiety. By the way, I did talk to both my doctor and pharmacist about taking Celexa while taking Passion Flower and neither one were that 'informed' when it came to Passion Flower. Maybe I should try a naturalist. Again LaurieShay, thank you for your responses, they are greatly appreciated! All the best, Emma
You are welcome and good luck Emma!!
Related topics
celexa, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, citalopram, passion flower
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