Drug interactions
Atomoxetine + Escitalopram
Severity: Moderate
Atomoxetine 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
Atomoxetine is metabolized by CYP2D6, and escitalopram is a weak CYP2D6 inhibitor, so atomoxetine levels may rise slightly. Both drugs have been associated with QT prolongation, and atomoxetine can also increase heart rate and blood pressure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atomoxetine 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.
Atomoxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Weak CYP2D6 inhibition by escitalopram raises atomoxetine exposure, plus additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Monitor heart rate, blood pressure and atomoxetine adverse effects, and adjust the atomoxetine dose if needed. Obtain an ECG if there are other QT risk factors.
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
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 Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atomoxetine 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. Atomoxetine is metabolized by CYP2D6, and escitalopram is a weak CYP2D6 inhibitor, so atomoxetine levels may rise slightly. Both drugs have been associated with QT prolongation, and atomoxetine can also increase heart rate and blood pressure.
How serious is the interaction between Atomoxetine 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: Monitor heart rate, blood pressure and atomoxetine adverse effects, and adjust the atomoxetine dose if needed. Obtain an ECG if there are other QT risk factors.
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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