Drug interactions
Cannabidiol + Citalopram
Severity: Moderate
Cannabidiol 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
Cannabidiol inhibits CYP2C19, which is a major route of citalopram metabolism, so citalopram levels may rise. This increases the risk of dose-related adverse effects including QT prolongation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cannabidiol 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.
Cannabidiol belongs to Central Nervous System; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Cannabidiol inhibits CYP2C19-mediated citalopram metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for serotonergic effects, sedation and QT-related symptoms, and consider reducing the citalopram dose. Keep the dose within labeled limits for CYP2C19 inhibitors.
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 Cannabidiol
- Cannabidiol + Phenytoin Major
- Cannabidiol + Sodium valproate Major
- Cannabidiol + Tacrolimus Major
- Abiraterone + Cannabidiol Moderate
- Alogliptin-pioglitazone + Cannabidiol Moderate
- Amiodarone + Cannabidiol Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cannabidiol with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cannabidiol 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. Cannabidiol inhibits CYP2C19, which is a major route of citalopram metabolism, so citalopram levels may rise. This increases the risk of dose-related adverse effects including QT prolongation.
How serious is the interaction between Cannabidiol 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 serotonergic effects, sedation and QT-related symptoms, and consider reducing the citalopram dose. Keep the dose within labeled limits for CYP2C19 inhibitors.
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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