Ribociclib (Kisqali) and anti depressants

Hello, funny I should see this today because I got a call earlier from my GP about taking citalopram (which I've been on for a few years) and ribociclib (which I started 10 days ago): she told me to stop it, as both affect the heart and so you could get "double-trouble".

I was already on the way down, so I decided to stop, but she said that there are other types of anti-depressants you can take. I suggest you go back to your GP, do they know you're on ribo?

Thank you so much for your reply. It’s reassuring to know that’s what caused my ‘incident’. I am seeing my Onc tomorrow so will get my heart checked out and see which antidepressant he recommends.

Thanks again.

Hi I too was on citalopram for many years and found them the only one that helped me. However when I started ribociclib I was told to stop citalopram and they changed it to sertraline as there was a bad interaction between citalopram and ribociclib. However since being on sertraline I've found them not as good for me as citalopram and I also checked drug checker who also said that sertraline had interactions with ribociclib. Giving me further anxiety. Of course I mentioned this to the oncologist who said it was their preferred choice of anti depressant and to take it. X

Hi there!

I also take Citalopram, and in my experience, it’s been really effective in helping with anxiety and depression. Also, remember that it is important to use only high-quality Citalopram from reliable pharmacies, then you can be sure of a positive result of treatment. It took about 1-2 weeks for me to start feeling the benefits, and the initial side effects (like nausea and dizziness) gradually lessened as my body adjusted. It’s important to give it some time because many people experience a rough start but see improvements after sticking with it.

In your case, it’s a good idea to contact your GP about the bad reaction you had. Sometimes, the dosage might need adjusting or another antidepressant might suit you better. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them, as they can help you find the right balance without making you feel worse initially.