Levo and citalopram

[Gracefulgiraffe]

Sorry to ask another question but I've googled and not really got an answer. I've been prescribed citalopram 20mg for my depression (I have complex PTSD and BPD). I take 50mg levothyroxine too for last 2 weeks Should I take them both in the morning or leave a gap like I do with my folic acid vit d.

[Clutter]

Winifred86,

For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D supplements, magnesium and oestrogen.

As Citalopram is an anti-depressant and may make you drowsy you could take it at bedtime.

[Clutter]

RFU,

Complex PTSD and BPD are not depression caused by low thyroid hormone.

[Clutter]

Winifred86,

Please ignore the member who said anti-depressants and levothyroxine cancel each other out. The member has repeatedly failed to substantiate her comment.

[Gracefulgiraffe]

Thank you for your advice Clutter and letting me know to ignore some of the advice above. I am taking my citalopram at night now. I was diagnosed with complex PTSD 14 years ago and BPD 5 years ago long before my hypothyroid diagnosis 2 weeks ago so I know my mental health problems have nothing to do with my hypothyroidism. I understand that my depression has been compounded by the hypothyroidism.

[Clutter in reply to Gracefulgiraffe]

Winifred86,

Some members seem to have convinced themselves that a mental illness or depression diagnosed 50 years prior to a hypothyroid diagnosis is due to undiagnosed hypothyroidism

[humanbean]

One thing to be aware of is that the brain needs T3 to function correctly. So, you may benefit from making sure that your Free T3 levels are optimal. That can be very difficult or impossible if the NHS is doing the testing because they usually refuse to test Free T3, but thyroid hormones and nutrients can be tested with private testing if it interests you.

If you are being treated by a psychiatrist, there was a time when they could arrange testing for Free T3 levels and could even prescribe T3 for patients whether they were hypothyroid or not. I have no idea whether they can still do that. Somehow I doubt it, but it may be worth following up.

I'm not suggesting that untreated or inadequately treated hypothyroidism caused any of your problems. But I would think that non-optimal thyroid hormone levels and low nutrient levels could make your existing complaints worse.