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Citalopram, Pregabalin, Effects On Breathalizer Results

Posted on Wed, 16 May 2012

Question: Hi, can Citalopram affect breathalizer results?
Can it increase the effect of alcohol?

Answered by Dr. Abhijeet Deshmukh, (3 hours later)

Hello.

The breath analyzer will not be able to detect Citalopram because of various reasons. The most important reasons are that Citalopram is not expected to be eliminated/mixed with breath, the analyzer is probably only calibrated for alcohol and similar substances, etc.

Citalopram and Alcohol together can however augment some of the effects of Alcohol, as they tend to act on similar brain areas. The effects might differ from person to person. Some might find driving to be difficult, while others may find reading and other cognitive tasks being compromised. In most cases, the effects of alcohol have to be significant enough to alter the mental status (drunk state).

I hope this answers you query. Please let me know if you need more infomation.

Best Regards

Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Abhijeet Deshmukh, (27 hours later)

Thank you.

Can Citalopram or Pregabalin affect the blood alcohol level?

Answered by Dr. Abhijeet Deshmukh, (2 hours later)

Hello again.

Citalopram and Pregabalin do not affect the blood alcohol levels. Neither do they affect the tests results.

Best Regards

Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD

Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar