Drug interactions
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Escitalopram
Severity: Moderate
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen 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
Benzhydrocodone is a hydrocodone prodrug, and opioids combined with SSRIs can cause serotonin syndrome, though uncommonly. Escitalopram may also inhibit CYP2D6 slightly, and opioid CNS depression can add to its effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen 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 serotonergic activity of the opioid and the SSRI.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, diarrhea or fever especially at initiation and dose increases. Stop and treat if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
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 Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen with Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen 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. Benzhydrocodone is a hydrocodone prodrug, and opioids combined with SSRIs can cause serotonin syndrome, though uncommonly. Escitalopram may also inhibit CYP2D6 slightly, and opioid CNS depression can add to its effects.
How serious is the interaction between Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen 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: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, diarrhea or fever especially at initiation and dose increases. Stop and treat if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
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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