Drug interactions
Citalopram + Gabapentin
Severity: Minor
Citalopram and Gabapentin: minor 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
Gabapentin causes sedation and dizziness, and citalopram may add to drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. Serious respiratory depression is mainly a concern in vulnerable patients or with additional CNS depressants such as opioids.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Gabapentin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Gabapentin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects, which are pharmacodynamic.
What to do
Titrate gabapentin slowly and monitor for sedation and dizziness. Take extra care in older adults and patients with respiratory disease or on other sedatives.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Gabapentin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Gabapentin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Citalopram and Gabapentin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Gabapentin causes sedation and dizziness, and citalopram may add to drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. Serious respiratory depression is mainly a concern in vulnerable patients or with additional CNS depressants such as opioids.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Gabapentin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate gabapentin slowly and monitor for sedation and dizziness. Take extra care in older adults and patients with respiratory disease or on other sedatives.
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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