Drug & supplement interaction

Aquatic Exercise + Citalopram

Citalopram brand name: Celexa.

No Known Interaction
The bottom line No known interaction

We found no known interaction between Aquatic Exercise and Citalopram in our sources. Absence of a documented interaction is not the same as proven safety, and does not guarantee one does not exist. Do not start, stop, or change a medication or supplement based on this page; confirm with your pharmacist or doctor first. Additionally, although there is no interaction, the two are separately associated with some of the same side effects, which would make a new symptom harder to attribute to one or the other.

Know someone interested in this? Share
Interaction report

Aquatic Exercise and Citalopram

We checked these two against our interaction database. Here is what we found.

No Known Interaction Found

We did not find a documented interaction between Citalopram and Aquatic Exercise in our sources. This does not guarantee that the combination is completely free of risk — research on Aquatic Exercise alongside specific medications may be limited.

Worth understanding: our licensed dataset holds no drug-interaction record for Aquatic Exercise at all — not against Citalopram, and not against any other medication we track. This verdict therefore rests on the absence of any recorded data, not on research that looked at this combination and found nothing. We cannot rule an interaction out.

Aquatic Exercise is a practice rather than something you take. Ask your care team whether the type and intensity you plan to practice are appropriate for your health and treatment. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.

Always talk with your pharmacist or doctor before making changes to your medications or supplements, particularly if you take several medications or have an ongoing health condition.

Aquatic Exercise safety at a glance

Aquatic Exercise overall Generally safe For most people, water-based exercise is a low-impact and safe form of activity.
Pregnancy Possibly Safe When conducted appropriately, short-term. Clinical research suggests that aquatic exercise is safe during pregnancy when conducted at temperatures ranging from... Read the full pregnancy detail
Breastfeeding Generally safe Aquatic exercise is generally compatible with breastfeeding.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — the full detail is in the Special populations card below. Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Still wondering about combining Citalopram and Aquatic Exercise? Ask Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS directly ›
What to actually watch for

No Interaction Found — But Data Suggests Aquatic Exercise and Citalopram May Share a Side Effect

This is not an interaction. Neither one changes how your body handles the other, and nothing here says they react together. What our sources do show is that each has separately been linked to the effects below — so practicing Aquatic Exercise while taking the medicine can make those effects more likely to turn up, and harder to pin on one or the other if they do.

  • Tiredness reported in 6.6% of FDA reports for Citalopram Additional detail

    Aquatic Exercise

    “Aquatic exercise is generally well-tolerated when used appropriately, short-term. Aquatic exercise has been performed for up to 12 weeks without reports of serious adverse effects. Mild adverse effects including dizziness, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain have been reported, but these are uncommon.”

    Aquatic Exercise · Natural Medicines adverse-effect record, reported in fatigue.

    2 sources cited
    1. 96598. Adsett JA, Mudge AM, Morris N, Kuys S, Paratz JD. Aquatic exercise training and stable heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Cardiol. 2015;186:22-8. PubMed
    2. 96599. Bartels EM, Juhl CB, Christensen R, et al. Aquatic exercise for the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;3:CD005523. PubMed

    “Aquatic exercise has been rarely associated with dizziness and fatigue.”

    Aquatic Exercise · Natural Medicines adverse-effect record, reported in fatigue.

    2 sources cited
    1. 96598. Adsett JA, Mudge AM, Morris N, Kuys S, Paratz JD. Aquatic exercise training and stable heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Cardiol. 2015;186:22-8. PubMed
    2. 96599. Bartels EM, Juhl CB, Christensen R, et al. Aquatic exercise for the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;3:CD005523. PubMed

    Citalopram

    Listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of the FDA label for Citalopram, and in voluntary FDA adverse-event reports. Read the label on DailyMed ›

Reported for Aquatic Exercise but not commonly for Citalopram: muscle pain and dizziness.

Effects for Citalopram come from the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of its FDA label; effects for Aquatic Exercise come from the Natural Medicines adverse-effect record, quoted above. Where a percentage is shown, it is the share of 106,559 voluntary FDA FAERS reports for Citalopram that mention that effect — a reporting proportion, not an incidence rate and not evidence the drug caused it. Wording is matched across sources by our own clinical vocabulary, so treat this as a prompt to pay attention, not a diagnosis.

Special populations

Aquatic Exercise in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy Possibly Safe

When conducted appropriately, short-term. Clinical research suggests that aquatic exercise is safe during pregnancy when conducted at temperatures ranging from 28.8-33.4℃ (83.8-92.1℉) for up to 45 minutes.

Pregnancy Possibly Unsafe

When heated aquatic exercise is used. Conditions that increase maternal core temperature above 39℃ have been associated with increased risk of teratogenicity. Some early research also found an association between maternal heat exposure in the form of a hot tub or sauna during the first trimester and increased risk of neural tube defects. A more recent analysis of clinical research shows that it is safe to sit in hot baths at 40℃ (104℉) or in saunas at 70℃ (158℉) for up to 20 minutes during pregnancy, regardless of trimester. However, the ACOG clinical practice guidelines continue to discourage hot water baths or saunas during pregnancy due to possible risks. LACTACTION: Insufficient reliable information available; however, there is no known reason to expect any adverse effects.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Overlapping uses

What Citalopram Is Prescribed For, and What Aquatic Exercise Has Been Studied For

These two come up together because they touch the same health topic — not because they do the same job. Citalopram is a prescription medicine with approved uses on its FDA label. Aquatic Exercise is a practice: what follows is what researchers have looked at it for, and how strong that evidence is.

Citalopram is prescribed for: Citalopram — available as tablets (including brand Celexa), oral solution, and capsules — is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. This includes depression that causes persistent low mood, loss of interest in everyday activities, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Citalopram capsules are specifically indicated for adults with MDD but are not intended for starting or stopping treatment — another citalopram product must be used for dose titration. All forms are indicated for adults only; citalopram tablets are not approved for use in children.

Aquatic Exercise has been studied for:

  • Depression studied, not established Aquatic Exercise has been studied for this. Natural Medicines rates the evidence: Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Read what the research shows

    Aquatic Exercise for depression

    A preliminary clinical study in elderly patients with major depressive disorder shows that training in aquatic exercise for 45 minutes twice weekly for 12 weeks reduces depressive symptoms by 53% and anxiety symptoms by 48% when compared to baseline. This study was limited by a lack of comparator group.

    1 source cited
    1. 101685. Silva LAD, Tortelli L, Motta J, et al. Effects of aquatic exercise on mental health, functional autonomy and oxidative stress in depressed elderly individuals: A randomized clinical trial. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2019;74:e322. PubMed

Effectiveness ratings and the research summaries above are the verbatim record from the Natural Medicines database, which grades evidence from “Effective” down to “Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate”. A rating below the top of that scale means researchers have looked at it — not that it works, and never that it can stand in for a prescribed medicine. Do not stop or replace Citalopram on your own; if you are taking Aquatic Exercise for the same health topic, tell your prescriber, especially if the medicine is being adjusted to a target.

From our Q&A

Questions About Aquatic Exercise or Citalopram

These are real questions from readers, answered by the pharmacists at HelloPharmacist — written by a person, not generated from a database. Each one covers Aquatic Exercise or Citalopram, not necessarily both, but if one is close to what you were about to ask it will usually go further than a database entry can:

Not quite your question? Ask our pharmacists directly — it is free, there is no account required, and answers usually come back within 24 hours.

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Citalopram

This page covers Aquatic Exercise only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Citalopram page lists 191 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.

The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Grapefruit (major), Lithium (major), St. John's Wort (major) and 5-htp (moderate).

By severity: 4 major · 144 moderate · 43 minor.

Open the Citalopram interaction page

How much people look this up

Where Aquatic Exercise and Citalopram Sit Against Everything Else

Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.

Supplement Aquatic Exercise
Top half

#713 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today
Medication Citalopram
Top 5%

#50 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today

Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.

Where does our data come from?
  • Source: the Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) clinical database — the evidence-graded professional reference for herb & supplement interactions.
  • Citation library: 103,510 references behind our interaction content, 65,311 of them resolved to verified PubMed/DOI sources. See every Aquatic Exercise reference on this page ↓
  • Freshness: we automatically re-check this combination every week — this pair was last verified September 13, 2026. The Aquatic Exercise and Citalopram records this page draws on were last updated July 11, 2026.
  • What “no known interaction” means: no documented interaction in the sources above — not a guarantee of safety. Supplements are studied far less than prescription drugs, so we say exactly what the evidence supports, and nothing more.
Data structure & sourcing designed and verified by .
Mind-body practice

About Aquatic Exercise

What is Aquatic Exercise?

  • Arthritis and joint pain
  • Low back pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Balance and fall prevention
  • General fitness and weight management
  • Rehabilitation after injury or surgery

Aquatic exercise is physical activity done in water, such as water aerobics, lap swimming, or pool-based physical therapy. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints, making it a gentle, generally safe way to build strength, flexibility, and fitness, especially for people with arthritis or chronic pain. Check with your doctor before starting if you have heart, lung, or balance problems.

Water aerobics, aquatic physical therapy, swimming, deep-water running, hydrotherapy classes

An interaction check asks whether these two react with each other — it does not ask whether Aquatic Exercise is a good idea for someone in your situation. Here is what our Aquatic Exercise record says about it on its own.

Aquatic Exercise: dosing

There is no single "dose" for aquatic exercise. General fitness guidelines suggest aiming for about 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, which can include water-based sessions, but your ideal amount depends on your health and goals.Many programs run two to three sessions per week. If you are recovering from injury or have a chronic condition, a physical therapist or your doctor can help set a safe starting point and progress you gradually.Start slowly, warm up, stay hydrated even in the water, and stop if you feel pain beyond normal muscle effort.

From our Aquatic Exercise monograph — the full record covers uses, side effects and every documented interaction.

Read the full Aquatic Exercise monograph & all interactions
Medication

About Citalopram

What Is Citalopram Used For?

Brand name: Celexa

Citalopram — available as tablets (including brand Celexa), oral solution, and capsules — is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. This includes depression that causes persistent low mood, loss of interest in everyday activities, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

Citalopram capsules are specifically indicated for adults with MDD but are not intended for starting or stopping treatment — another citalopram product must be used for dose titration. All forms are indicated for adults only; citalopram tablets are not approved for use in children.

Most-Reported Side Effects for Citalopram

From FAERS, the FDA’s public side-effect reporting system (106,559 reports, all brands). Reports are voluntary and are not proof the drug caused the effect.

Fatigue 6,992 reports
Nausea 6,019 reports
Headache 5,146 reports
Toxicity to various agents 5,100 reports
Diarrhea 4,832 reports
See full Citalopram drug information
Keep checking

Other Drugs & Aquatic Exercise

Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Aquatic Exercise — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.

0Major
0Moderate
0Minor
2,829No known interaction
No interaction 2,829 drugs checked — show the list
Evidence & sources

Aquatic Exercise References

The 49 references that drive our Aquatic Exercise monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Sjogren, T., Long, N., Storay, I., and Smith, J. Group hydrotherapy versus group land-based treatment for chronic low back pain. Physiother Res Int 1997;2(4):212-222. PubMed
  2. Stener-Victorin, E., Kruse-Smidje, C., and Jung, K. Comparison between electro-acupuncture and hydrotherapy, both in combination with patient education and patient education alone, on the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip. Clin J Pain 200 PubMed
  3. Foley, A., Halbert, J., Hewitt, T., and Crotty, M. Does hydrotherapy improve strength and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis--a randomised controlled trial comparing a gym based and a hydrotherapy based strengthening programme. Ann Rheum Di PubMed
  4. Eversden, L., Maggs, F., Nightingale, P., and Jobanputra, P. A pragmatic randomised controlled trial of hydrotherapy and land exercises on overall well being and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2007;8:23. PubMed
  5. Hall, J., Skevington, S. M., Maddison, P. J., and Chapman, K. A randomized and controlled trial of hydrotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Care Res 1996;9(3):206-215. PubMed
  6. Wadell, K., Sundelin, G., Henriksson-Larsen, K., and Lundgren, R. High intensity physical group training in water--an effective training modality for patients with COPD. Respir Med 2004;98(5):428-438. PubMed
  7. Vitorino, D. F., Carvalho, L. B., and Prado, G. F. Hydrotherapy and conventional physiotherapy improve total sleep time and quality of life of fibromyalgia patients: randomized clinical trial. Sleep Med 2006;7(3):293-296. PubMed
  8. Cider, A., Sunnerhagen, K. S., Schaufelberger, M., and Andersson, B. Cardiorespiratory effects of warm water immersion in elderly patients with chronic heart failure. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2005;25(6):313-317. PubMed
  9. Rush, J., Burlock, S., Lambert, K., Loosley-Millman, M., Hutchison, B., and Enkin, M. The effects of whirlpools baths in labor: a randomized, controlled trial. Birth 1996;23(3):136-143.
  10. Cammu, H., Clasen, K., Van, Wettere L., and Derde, M. P. 'To bathe or not to bathe' during the first stage of labor. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1994;73(6):468-472. PubMed
  11. Eckert, K., Turnbull, D., and MacLennan, A. Immersion in water in the first stage of labor: a randomized controlled trial. Birth 2001;28(2):84-93. PubMed
  12. Eriksson, M., Mattsson, L. A., and Ladfors, L. Early or late bath during the first stage of labour: a randomised study of 200 women. Midwifery 1997;13(3):146-148. PubMed
  13. Lenstrup, C., Schantz, A., Berget, A., Feder, E., Roseno, H., and Hertel, J. Warm tub bath during delivery. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1987;66(8):709-712. PubMed
  14. Cunha, M. C., Oliveira, A. S., Labronici, R. H., and Gabbai, A. A. Spinal muscular atrophy type II (intermediary) and III (Kugelberg-Welander). Evolution of 50 patients with physiotherapy and hydrotherapy in a swimming pool. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 1996;54(3): PubMed
  15. Driver, S., Rees, K., O'Connor, J., and Lox, C. Aquatics, health-promoting self-care behaviours and adults with brain injuries. Brain Inj 2006;20(2):133-141. PubMed

Medication overviews come from MedlinePlus (NIH); supplement label data from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Practicing Aquatic Exercise While Taking Citalopram: Common Questions

Is it safe to practice Aquatic Exercise while taking Citalopram?
We do not list a known interaction between Aquatic Exercise and Citalopram. That does not guarantee the combination is risk-free, so confirm with your pharmacist or doctor — especially if you take other medications or have a health condition.
Do Aquatic Exercise and Citalopram have any of the same side effects?
Yes — our sources link each of them separately to one of the same effects. That is not an interaction: neither changes how your body handles the other. It does mean that if one of those effects turns up, it can be harder to tell which one is behind it. They are listed on this page with the source behind each.
Are Aquatic Exercise and Citalopram used for the same thing?
They overlap in purpose, which usually means the real question is whether you need both rather than whether they are safe together. This page lists the shared uses and how strong the evidence is for Aquatic Exercise in each. That is a conversation for your prescriber, especially if Citalopram is being adjusted to a target.
Does Citalopram interact with any supplements?
Yes. Citalopram has documented interactions with 191 supplements in our database — Aquatic Exercise is not one of them. The Citalopram interaction page linked on this page lists every one, ranked by severity.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Still Have a Question About Citalopram and Aquatic Exercise?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.