Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Citalopram
Severity: Moderate
Amobarbital and Citalopram: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Amobarbital induces CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, which may lower citalopram concentrations and reduce antidepressant effect. Additive sedation can also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Citalopram can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Amobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Barbiturate induction of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 increases citalopram clearance.
What to do
Monitor for worsening depression or anxiety and consider increasing the citalopram dose within labeled limits. Reassess if amobarbital is stopped.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Amobarbital
- Amobarbital + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isavuconazonium Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
Other interactions of Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amobarbital with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amobarbital and Citalopram can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Amobarbital induces CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, which may lower citalopram concentrations and reduce antidepressant effect. Additive sedation can also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Citalopram?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for worsening depression or anxiety and consider increasing the citalopram dose within labeled limits. Reassess if amobarbital is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Amobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Amobarbital page.
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