Drug interactions
Citalopram + Naproxen
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Naproxen: 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
Citalopram impairs platelet serotonin uptake and naproxen inhibits platelet function and injures the gastric mucosa. Together they increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Naproxen 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; Naproxen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive platelet dysfunction from SSRI serotonin depletion and NSAID COX-1 inhibition, with NSAID mucosal injury.
What to do
Avoid if possible, or add gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for bleeding. Prefer paracetamol for analgesia.
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 Naproxen
- Ketorolac intranasal + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Naproxen Major
- Acemetacin + Naproxen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Naproxen Major
- Alteplase + Naproxen Major
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 Naproxen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Naproxen 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 impairs platelet serotonin uptake and naproxen inhibits platelet function and injures the gastric mucosa. Together they increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Naproxen?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible, or add gastroprotection with a proton pump inhibitor and monitor for bleeding. Prefer paracetamol for analgesia.
What other medicines interact with Naproxen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Naproxen with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Naproxen page.
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