Drug interactions
Citalopram + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Lithium: 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 been linked to QT prolongation, and lithium can additionally cause sinus node dysfunction and T-wave changes. Combined use may increase arrhythmia risk, and SSRIs with lithium may also raise serotonergic and neurotoxic effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Lithium 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; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac repolarization; possible added serotonergic enhancement by lithium.
What to do
Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes, and repeat after dose changes or if symptoms such as syncope or palpitations occur. Monitor serum lithium levels and watch for tremor, confusion or serotonergic signs.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Lithium 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 been linked to QT prolongation, and lithium can additionally cause sinus node dysfunction and T-wave changes. Combined use may increase arrhythmia risk, and SSRIs with lithium may also raise serotonergic and neurotoxic effects.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes, and repeat after dose changes or if symptoms such as syncope or palpitations occur. Monitor serum lithium levels and watch for tremor, confusion or serotonergic signs.
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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