Drug interactions
Cannabidiol + Escitalopram
Severity: Moderate
Cannabidiol 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
Cannabidiol inhibits CYP2C19, an enzyme that metabolizes escitalopram, so escitalopram concentrations may rise. This may increase serotonergic adverse effects and dose-related QT prolongation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cannabidiol 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.
Cannabidiol belongs to Central Nervous System; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Cannabidiol inhibition of CYP2C19-mediated escitalopram metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for escitalopram adverse effects such as nausea, sedation and QT prolongation. Reduce the escitalopram dose if these occur.
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 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 Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cannabidiol 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. Cannabidiol inhibits CYP2C19, an enzyme that metabolizes escitalopram, so escitalopram concentrations may rise. This may increase serotonergic adverse effects and dose-related QT prolongation.
How serious is the interaction between Cannabidiol 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 for escitalopram adverse effects such as nausea, sedation and QT prolongation. Reduce the escitalopram dose if these occur.
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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