Drug interactions
Citalopram + Ergotamine
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Ergotamine: 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
Both drugs have serotonergic activity, so combined use may contribute to serotonin syndrome. Ergotamine also causes vasoconstriction, which can add to risk in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Ergotamine 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; Ergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects at 5-HT receptors combined with SSRI-mediated reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Monitor for serotonin syndrome symptoms and limit ergotamine use to the lowest effective dose and frequency. Consider alternative migraine therapy if symptoms occur.
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 Ergotamine
- Almotriptan + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Ergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Ergotamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Ergotamine 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. Both drugs have serotonergic activity, so combined use may contribute to serotonin syndrome. Ergotamine also causes vasoconstriction, which can add to risk in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Ergotamine?
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 serotonin syndrome symptoms and limit ergotamine use to the lowest effective dose and frequency. Consider alternative migraine therapy if symptoms occur.
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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