Drug interactions
Citalopram + Methamphetamine
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Methamphetamine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Methamphetamine increases synaptic serotonin and other monoamines, and with an SSRI it may precipitate serotonin syndrome. It also raises heart rate and blood pressure and may increase cardiac risk in patients with citalopram-related QT effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Methamphetamine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Methamphetamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic and sympathomimetic effects from amphetamine-induced monoamine release plus SSRI reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible; if unavoidable, use the lowest doses and monitor for serotonin syndrome and cardiovascular effects. Stop both drugs if features of serotonin toxicity develop.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
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 Methamphetamine
- Isocarboxazid + Methamphetamine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Methamphetamine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Methamphetamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Methamphetamine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Methamphetamine increases synaptic serotonin and other monoamines, and with an SSRI it may precipitate serotonin syndrome. It also raises heart rate and blood pressure and may increase cardiac risk in patients with citalopram-related QT effects.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Methamphetamine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use where possible; if unavoidable, use the lowest doses and monitor for serotonin syndrome and cardiovascular effects. Stop both drugs if features of serotonin toxicity develop.
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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