Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Citalopram
Severity: Major
Chlorpromazine and Citalopram: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and together they raise the likelihood of torsades de pointes. Risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia, or higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and Citalopram can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Chlorpromazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive hERG potassium channel blockade leading to QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid if possible, or obtain a baseline ECG and repeat after dose changes while correcting potassium and magnesium. Choose a non-QT-prolonging alternative in high-risk patients.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
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 Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpromazine with Citalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine and Citalopram can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and together they raise the likelihood of torsades de pointes. Risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia, or higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Citalopram?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible, or obtain a baseline ECG and repeat after dose changes while correcting potassium and magnesium. Choose a non-QT-prolonging alternative in high-risk patients.
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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