Celexa, the brand name for the medication citalopram, is a prescription-only antidepressant. Fish oil, in contrast, is a supplement available over the counter that is marketed primarily for its heart-healthy benefits. Celexa has negative interactions with many substances, but fish oil is not considered one of them. However, both Celexa and fish oil are listed as interacting with anti-coagulant medications. Consult your doctor before combining Celexa and fish oil.
Celexa
Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that increases serotonin levels in the brain. This neurotransmitter helps maintain emotional stability. Celexa reduces symptoms of major depressive disorder, such as low mood, decreased interest in work and recreational activity, sleeping problems, lack of energy and motivation, and difficulty concentrating. The medication also is useful for people with conditions such as anxiety disorder, panic disorder, eating disorders and alcohol addiction.
Fish Oil
Fish oil has a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for health. These fatty acids also lower inflammation levels in the body and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and heart disease. Some researchers have investigated fish oil as a complementary therapy for depression, and results are mixed, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Several studies indicate that combining omega-3 fatty acids with prescription antidepressants improves symptoms, but other studies did not find this benefit.
Fish Oil Interactions
Authoritative websites do not show any interactions between Celexa and fish oil. Fish oil interacts with only a few substances, according to Drugs.com. These are anti-coagulant medications such as warfarin and anisindione. The University of Maryland Medical Center website also cautions readers about combining fish oil with clopidogrel and aspirin. Fish oil supplements may increase the risk of abnormal bleeding, which is also a risk of medications with anti-coagulant effects.
Celexa and Anti-Coagulants
Like fish oil, Celexa is indicated as having negative interactions with anti-coagulants. Consult your doctor before combining Celexa with aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, which also have anti-coagulant effects. Bleeding is not thought to be a side effect of Celexa, however.
Additional Celexa Interactions
Because Celexa interacts with many medications and also has many potential side effects, talk with your doctor before combining fish oil with Celexa. Some other medications that have negative interactions with Celexa include monoamine oxidase inhibitors, sedatives and tranquilizers, the blood pressure medication metoprolol and medications that treat anxiety, Parkinson's disease, seizure disorders and migraine headaches. Negative interactions might involve reduced effectiveness of one or the other medication, or an increased risk of side effects.
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