Drug interactions
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Citalopram
Severity: Moderate
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen 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
Benzhydrocodone is a prodrug of hydrocodone, an opioid with weak serotonergic activity. Combined with citalopram, there is a risk of serotonin syndrome, and opioid-related CNS effects may also be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen 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.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects, with opioid-related CNS depression.
What to do
Monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and clonus, especially at initiation or dose increases. Stop the combination if serotonin toxicity develops.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen 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. Benzhydrocodone is a prodrug of hydrocodone, an opioid with weak serotonergic activity. Combined with citalopram, there is a risk of serotonin syndrome, and opioid-related CNS effects may also be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen 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 agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and clonus, especially at initiation or dose increases. Stop the combination if serotonin toxicity develops.
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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