Drug interactions
Cenobamate + Citalopram
Severity: Moderate
Cenobamate 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
Cenobamate induces CYP3A4 and inhibits CYP2C19, both of which contribute to citalopram clearance, so citalopram exposure can change unpredictably in either direction. Additive somnolence and dizziness from both drugs can also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cenobamate 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.
Cenobamate belongs to Central Nervous System; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Cenobamate induces CYP3A4 and inhibits CYP2C19, altering citalopram metabolism, with additive CNS depressant effects.
What to do
Monitor antidepressant response, adverse effects and sedation when starting or stopping cenobamate, and adjust the citalopram dose accordingly. Counsel the patient about drowsiness and impaired driving.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Cenobamate and Citalopram, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Cenobamate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cenobamate with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cenobamate 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. Cenobamate induces CYP3A4 and inhibits CYP2C19, both of which contribute to citalopram clearance, so citalopram exposure can change unpredictably in either direction. Additive somnolence and dizziness from both drugs can also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Cenobamate 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 antidepressant response, adverse effects and sedation when starting or stopping cenobamate, and adjust the citalopram dose accordingly. Counsel the patient about drowsiness and impaired driving.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
