Drug interactions
Citalopram + Metformin
Severity: Minor
Citalopram and Metformin: 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 can improve or alter glycemic control and occasionally cause hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes. Combined with metformin, this may modestly change glucose levels. The interaction is generally mild and manageable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Metformin 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; Metformin belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic effect of SSRIs on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity; mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose when starting, changing or stopping citalopram in patients taking metformin. Adjust diabetes therapy if glucose trends change.
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 Metformin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Citalopram and Metformin 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 can improve or alter glycemic control and occasionally cause hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes. Combined with metformin, this may modestly change glucose levels. The interaction is generally mild and manageable.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Metformin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose when starting, changing or stopping citalopram in patients taking metformin. Adjust diabetes therapy if glucose trends change.
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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