Drug interactions
Atomoxetine + Citalopram
Severity: Moderate
Atomoxetine 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
Citalopram is a weak CYP2D6 inhibitor and may slightly raise atomoxetine levels, and both drugs have some potential to prolong the QT interval. Atomoxetine can also increase heart rate and blood pressure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atomoxetine 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.
Atomoxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Weak CYP2D6 inhibition by citalopram plus additive QT-prolonging effects.
What to do
Monitor heart rate, blood pressure and ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors. Adjust the atomoxetine dose if adverse effects arise.
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 Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Atomoxetine
- Atomoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atomoxetine with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atomoxetine 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. Citalopram is a weak CYP2D6 inhibitor and may slightly raise atomoxetine levels, and both drugs have some potential to prolong the QT interval. Atomoxetine can also increase heart rate and blood pressure.
How serious is the interaction between Atomoxetine 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 heart rate, blood pressure and ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors. Adjust the atomoxetine dose if adverse effects arise.
What other medicines interact with Citalopram?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Citalopram with, for example, Cisapride, Dronedarone, Escitalopram. The full list is on the Citalopram page.
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