Drug interactions
Asenapine transdermal + Escitalopram
Severity: Moderate
Asenapine transdermal and Escitalopram: 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
Escitalopram and asenapine each have the potential to lengthen the QT interval, and together the effect may be additive. This increases the possibility of ventricular arrhythmia, particularly in patients with cardiac risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Asenapine transdermal and Escitalopram 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.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation through cardiac potassium channel inhibition.
What to do
Check baseline ECG and electrolytes, and monitor the QTc in patients with cardiac risk factors; use the lowest effective escitalopram dose, which should not exceed 20 mg daily.
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 Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Asenapine transdermal with Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Asenapine transdermal and Escitalopram 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. Escitalopram and asenapine each have the potential to lengthen the QT interval, and together the effect may be additive. This increases the possibility of ventricular arrhythmia, particularly in patients with cardiac risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Asenapine transdermal and Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check baseline ECG and electrolytes, and monitor the QTc in patients with cardiac risk factors; use the lowest effective escitalopram dose, which should not exceed 20 mg daily.
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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