Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Citalopram
Severity: Moderate
Carbamazepine 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
Carbamazepine can accelerate citalopram metabolism and lower its plasma levels, possibly reducing antidepressant efficacy. Citalopram labeling notes this potential effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine 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.
Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, increasing citalopram clearance.
What to do
Monitor for loss of antidepressant effect after carbamazepine is started and titrate citalopram upward within labeled limits. Reassess dose after carbamazepine is stopped.
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 Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbamazepine 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. Carbamazepine can accelerate citalopram metabolism and lower its plasma levels, possibly reducing antidepressant efficacy. Citalopram labeling notes this potential effect.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine 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 loss of antidepressant effect after carbamazepine is started and titrate citalopram upward within labeled limits. Reassess dose after carbamazepine is stopped.
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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