citalopram and cortisol levels

[Findawayuk]

Does anyone know if citalopram rasies cortisol levels, which would show on a blood test please?

[Hidden]

From doing a quick bit of searching it looks as though it could affect cortisol levels. Citalopram stimulates the HPA axis (hypothalmus, pituitary & adrenal glands) to produce ACTH which is the hormone that tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol. So if you are testing for cortisol levels it would be best to be off it for at least 6 weeks before a test. The contraceptive pill & HRT will also give higher results for cortisol.

[Findawayuk in reply to Hidden]

thanks pauline...So having a 8am baseline ACTH test while on citalopram would be best after being off the meds also?

[Hidden in reply to Findawayuk]

Check with your doctor but probably. Are you experiencing high cortisol levels? If you think you may have Cushing's can possibly help you. Hopefully you're not!

[MaisieGray]

Just a reminder that if you decide to stop citalopram it needs to be done gradually over time. Regarding cortisol, Citalopram, by stimulating the HPA axis, causes the release of Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) which in turn stimulates the adrenal cortex, causing the release of cortisol into the bloodstream. However, one study found that 4 days of citalopram increased suppression of cortisol secretion by prednisolone in healthy volunteers; and another found that low cortisol was associated with long term citalopram use in people with major depression. Although conversely, a separate study of people diagnosed with social anxiety disorder found that administration of Citalopram increased cortisol release at significantly higher concentrations than after administration of a placebo to the control group. It might appear from these opposing study findings, that the absolute HPA mechanism might be mediated by differing circumstances.

A decision about the ACTH test would be best discussed with the (presumably) Endo concerned.