How to Sleep on Citalopram: Simple Tips That Work
If you’ve started citalopram and find yourself tossing and turning at night, you’re not alone. This antidepressant can boost mood but also mess with the sleep clock for some people. The good news? Small changes to when you take the pill, what you do before bed, and a quick chat with your doctor can make a big difference.
Why Citalopram Can Keep You Awake
Citalopram raises serotonin levels, which helps lift mood. At the same time, serotonin plays a role in the body’s wake‑up and sleep signals. For a while after starting the drug, the brain may interpret the extra serotonin as a cue to stay alert. That’s why many report restless nights, vivid dreams, or difficulty falling asleep during the first few weeks.
The timing of the dose matters, too. Taking the medication late in the day can push its peak effect right into your bedtime window, making it harder to wind down.
Practical Steps to Sleep Better
1. Move the dose earlier. If you’re on a once‑daily schedule, try taking citalopram in the morning or early afternoon. Most people still get the mood boost without the nighttime buzz.
2. Keep a consistent sleep routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. A regular schedule helps set your internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep when you want.
3. Limit caffeine and nicotine after noon. Both are stimulants that can amplify the wake‑fulness effect of citalopram. Switching to herbal tea or water in the afternoon can calm the nervous system.
4. Create a dim‑light wind‑down. Bright screens and overhead lights trick your brain into thinking it’s still daytime. Turn off phones, tablets, and TVs at least 30 minutes before bed, and use a low‑ watt lamp or a night‑light instead.
5. Try a short‑acting melatonin supplement. A low dose (0.5‑3 mg) taken 30 minutes before bedtime can help signal to your brain that it’s time to sleep. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor to make sure it won’t interact with citalopram.
6. Exercise earlier in the day. Light to moderate activity, like a brisk walk or yoga, boosts mood and reduces anxiety. Just avoid vigorous workouts within two hours of bedtime, as they can raise heart rate and make it harder to relax.
7. Review other meds. Some over‑the‑counter cold remedies, antihistamines, or sleep aids can stack with citalopram and cause side effects. Keep a list of everything you take and share it with your prescriber.
8. Ask your doctor about dose tweaks. If insomnia persists after a few weeks, the doctor may lower the dose or switch to a different SSRI that’s less likely to disturb sleep. Never adjust the dose on your own.
Implementing a few of these ideas usually brings relief within a week or two. Remember, the goal isn’t to fight the medication but to work with it so you can get the mood benefits without losing sleep.
Got another sleep‑related question while on citalopram? Drop a comment or reach out to a healthcare professional. Better sleep is possible, and you don’t have to settle for sleepless nights.