Drug interactions
Citalopram + Dihydroergotamine
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Dihydroergotamine: 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
Combining an SSRI with ergot derivatives has been associated with serotonin syndrome in case reports, though evidence is limited. DHE also has CYP3A4-related interactions and vasoconstrictive effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Dihydroergotamine 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; Dihydroergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity at 5-HT receptors, with SSRI-enhanced serotonin availability.
What to do
Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome such as agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia and fever, particularly after starting or increasing doses. Stop one drug if toxicity develops.
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 Dihydroergotamine
- Almotriptan + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dopamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Eletriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Dihydroergotamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Dihydroergotamine 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. Combining an SSRI with ergot derivatives has been associated with serotonin syndrome in case reports, though evidence is limited. DHE also has CYP3A4-related interactions and vasoconstrictive effects.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Dihydroergotamine?
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 signs of serotonin syndrome such as agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia and fever, particularly after starting or increasing doses. Stop one drug if toxicity develops.
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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