Drug interactions
Citalopram + Eletriptan
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Eletriptan: 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
SSRIs combined with triptans have been reported to cause serotonin syndrome, although the occurrence is uncommon. The risk is mostly theoretical for eletriptan, which acts at 5-HT1B/1D receptors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Eletriptan 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; Eletriptan belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible additive serotonergic effects; mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Co-use is acceptable when needed; advise patients on serotonin syndrome symptoms. Monitor at initiation and after dose increases.
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 Eletriptan
- Almotriptan + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Eletriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Eletriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Eletriptan 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. SSRIs combined with triptans have been reported to cause serotonin syndrome, although the occurrence is uncommon. The risk is mostly theoretical for eletriptan, which acts at 5-HT1B/1D receptors.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Eletriptan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Co-use is acceptable when needed; advise patients on serotonin syndrome symptoms. Monitor at initiation and after dose increases.
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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