Drug interactions
Citalopram + Clonidine
Severity: Minor
Citalopram and Clonidine: minor 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
Both drugs may cause drowsiness and dizziness, and clonidine's blood pressure lowering may add to SSRI-related orthostatic effects. The clinical impact is usually modest, though sedation and bradycardia may occasionally be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Clonidine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Clonidine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and cardiovascular effects; no established pharmacokinetic interaction.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, dizziness and heart rate changes when starting or adjusting either drug.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Clonidine
- Acebutolol + Clonidine Major
- Amifostine + Clonidine Major
- Amiodarone + Clonidine Major
- Amoxapine + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol + Clonidine Major
Other interactions of Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Clonidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Citalopram and Clonidine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Both drugs may cause drowsiness and dizziness, and clonidine's blood pressure lowering may add to SSRI-related orthostatic effects. The clinical impact is usually modest, though sedation and bradycardia may occasionally be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Clonidine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sedation, dizziness and heart rate changes when starting or adjusting either drug.
What other medicines interact with Clonidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clonidine with, for example, Acebutolol, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Clonidine page.
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