Drug interactions
Aripiprazole + Escitalopram
Severity: Minor
Aripiprazole and Escitalopram: minor 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
Aripiprazole has minimal QT effect, so the QT concern with escitalopram is small. The combination is commonly used for augmentation, and escitalopram may weakly raise aripiprazole exposure via CYP2D6. Adverse effects such as akathisia may be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aripiprazole and Escitalopram have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Aripiprazole belongs to Central Nervous System; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Mainly additive pharmacodynamic effects, with weak CYP2D6 inhibition by escitalopram raising aripiprazole levels.
What to do
Monitor for akathisia, activation and other adverse effects when starting or changing doses. Obtain an ECG only if other QT risk factors are present.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Aripiprazole + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Aripiprazole Major
- Aripiprazole + Arsenic trioxide Major
- Aripiprazole + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Major
- Aripiprazole + Carbamazepine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aripiprazole with Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Aripiprazole and Escitalopram have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Aripiprazole has minimal QT effect, so the QT concern with escitalopram is small. The combination is commonly used for augmentation, and escitalopram may weakly raise aripiprazole exposure via CYP2D6. Adverse effects such as akathisia may be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Aripiprazole and Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for akathisia, activation and other adverse effects when starting or changing doses. Obtain an ECG only if other QT risk factors are present.
What other medicines interact with Escitalopram?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Escitalopram with, for example, Cisapride, Citalopram, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Escitalopram page.
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