Drug interactions
Citalopram + Olanzapine
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Olanzapine: 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 prolongs the QT interval dose-dependently, and olanzapine has a small QT effect that is rarely clinically significant. Together they may modestly increase proarrhythmic risk, particularly with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Olanzapine 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; Olanzapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia when other risk factors exist. Repeat the ECG after dose increases and avoid adding further QT-prolonging drugs.
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 Olanzapine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Olanzapine 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 prolongs the QT interval dose-dependently, and olanzapine has a small QT effect that is rarely clinically significant. Together they may modestly increase proarrhythmic risk, particularly with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia when other risk factors exist. Repeat the ECG after dose increases and avoid adding further QT-prolonging drugs.
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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