Drug interactions
Citalopram + Cyproheptadine
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Cyproheptadine: 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
Cyproheptadine has serotonin 5-HT2 antagonist activity and may blunt the antidepressant or serotonergic effect of SSRIs. This can lead to reduced therapeutic response, and it is the basis for using cyproheptadine to treat serotonin syndrome.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Cyproheptadine 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.
Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Cyproheptadine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors by cyproheptadine, opposing citalopram's serotonergic effects.
What to do
Monitor for loss of antidepressant efficacy or return of depressive or anxiety symptoms, and reassess the need for cyproheptadine if this occurs. Also watch for additive drowsiness.
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 Cyproheptadine
- Cyproheptadine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cyproheptadine Major
- Belladonna and opium + Cyproheptadine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cyproheptadine 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 Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Cyproheptadine 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. Cyproheptadine has serotonin 5-HT2 antagonist activity and may blunt the antidepressant or serotonergic effect of SSRIs. This can lead to reduced therapeutic response, and it is the basis for using cyproheptadine to treat serotonin syndrome.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Cyproheptadine?
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 efficacy or return of depressive or anxiety symptoms, and reassess the need for cyproheptadine if this occurs. Also watch for additive drowsiness.
What other medicines interact with Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyproheptadine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Cyproheptadine page.
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