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Can I eat this with Citalopram?

Citalopram can be taken with or without food, and you can eat as normal, but alcohol is best avoided and St John's wort must not be used with it.

Also sold as Cipramil. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.

Our SSRIs page also covers Citalopram and gives one answer for the whole group. This page follows Citalopram’s own NHS page, so where the two differ, go by this one.

Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 29 foods and drinks for Citalopram (28 to avoid, 0 to take care with) — or tap one below.

Quick answers

Should I take Citalopram with food?
Take it once a day, with or without food, in the morning or evening.
Can I drink alcohol with Citalopram?
No, avoid it. Best to avoid alcohol with citalopram, as it can raise your risk of side effects.
Can I eat st john's wort with Citalopram?
No, avoid it. Do not take St John's wort with citalopram.

Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.

1 · What do you take?

Citalopramalso Cipramil

Citalopram can be taken with or without food, and you can eat as normal, but alcohol is best avoided and St John's wort must not be used with it.

You can eat as normal while taking citalopram, and take it with or without food. It's best not to drink alcohol because it can increase your risk of side effects. Do not use the herbal supplement St John's wort with citalopram.

Browse our medication food guides →

2 · What do you want to eat or drink?

When to take it: Take it once a day, with or without food, in the morning or evening.

Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.

Foods to avoid with Citalopram· 28

Fine with Citalopram· 1

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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.

Further reading on Citalopram

The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words, checked 6 October 2026. How we check

The Journal

Read our medication food guides →

A full Citalopram guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.

Food groups that matter with Citalopram

Every medicine each one affects, on one page.

Affected by the same foods as Citalopram.