Drug interactions
Citalopram + Modafinil
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Modafinil: 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
Modafinil inhibits CYP2C19 and may raise citalopram concentrations, which increases the risk of dose-dependent QT prolongation. It can also induce CYP3A4, but the net effect on citalopram is typically small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Modafinil 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; Modafinil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Modafinil inhibits CYP2C19, reducing citalopram clearance.
What to do
Limit citalopram to 20 mg daily when used with CYP2C19 inhibitors, per labeling. Obtain an ECG if risk factors for QT prolongation are present.
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 Modafinil
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Modafinil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Modafinil 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. Modafinil inhibits CYP2C19 and may raise citalopram concentrations, which increases the risk of dose-dependent QT prolongation. It can also induce CYP3A4, but the net effect on citalopram is typically small.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Modafinil?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit citalopram to 20 mg daily when used with CYP2C19 inhibitors, per labeling. Obtain an ECG if risk factors for QT prolongation are present.
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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