Drug interactions
Citalopram + Olanzapine / samidorphan
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Olanzapine / samidorphan: 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 can cause sedation and olanzapine can cause orthostatic hypotension, so combining them may add to drowsiness, dizziness and falls. Citalopram may also add modestly to QT effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Olanzapine / samidorphan 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.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depressant and hypotensive effects (pharmacodynamic).
What to do
Monitor for excess sedation, orthostatic blood pressure changes and falls, especially when starting or increasing doses. Counsel patients on rising slowly and avoiding alcohol.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Olanzapine / samidorphan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Olanzapine / samidorphan 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 can cause sedation and olanzapine can cause orthostatic hypotension, so combining them may add to drowsiness, dizziness and falls. Citalopram may also add modestly to QT effects.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Olanzapine / samidorphan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for excess sedation, orthostatic blood pressure changes and falls, especially when starting or increasing doses. Counsel patients on rising slowly and avoiding alcohol.
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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