Drug interactions
Citalopram + Hydromorphone
Severity: Minor
Citalopram and Hydromorphone: 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
SSRIs given with opioids carry a theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome, although hydromorphone has little serotonergic activity. Additive sedation may also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Hydromorphone 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; Hydromorphone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Possible additive serotonergic effects; hydromorphone is only weakly serotonergic.
What to do
Generally acceptable; monitor for agitation, tremor, clonus or hyperthermia after dose changes.
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 Hydromorphone
- Alvimopan + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydromorphone Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Hydromorphone + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
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 Hydromorphone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Citalopram and Hydromorphone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. SSRIs given with opioids carry a theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome, although hydromorphone has little serotonergic activity. Additive sedation may also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Hydromorphone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Generally acceptable; monitor for agitation, tremor, clonus or hyperthermia after dose changes.
What other medicines interact with Hydromorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydromorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydromorphone page.
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