Drug interactions
Citalopram + Fentanyl intranasal
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Fentanyl intranasal: 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
Fentanyl has serotonergic activity, and combining it with an SSRI has been associated with serotonin syndrome. The risk is low but real, and symptoms may be masked by opioid effects or sedation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Fentanyl intranasal 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.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from SSRI reuptake inhibition and weak serotonergic activity of fentanyl.
What to do
Monitor for agitation, clonus, hyperthermia and autonomic instability, particularly when starting or increasing doses. Stop the serotonergic agents and give supportive care if serotonin syndrome occurs.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Fentanyl intranasal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Fentanyl intranasal 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. Fentanyl has serotonergic activity, and combining it with an SSRI has been associated with serotonin syndrome. The risk is low but real, and symptoms may be masked by opioid effects or sedation.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Fentanyl intranasal?
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 agitation, clonus, hyperthermia and autonomic instability, particularly when starting or increasing doses. Stop the serotonergic agents and give supportive care if serotonin syndrome occurs.
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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