Drug interactions
Citalopram + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Phenobarbital: 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
Phenobarbital induces hepatic enzymes and can lower citalopram concentrations, potentially reducing antidepressant efficacy. Both drugs are also CNS depressants, so sedation may be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Phenobarbital 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
Phenobarbital induces CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, increasing citalopram clearance.
What to do
Monitor depressive symptoms and consider increasing citalopram within the maximum recommended dose. Reassess the dose if phenobarbital is stopped.
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 Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Phenobarbital 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. Phenobarbital induces hepatic enzymes and can lower citalopram concentrations, potentially reducing antidepressant efficacy. Both drugs are also CNS depressants, so sedation may be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Phenobarbital?
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 depressive symptoms and consider increasing citalopram within the maximum recommended dose. Reassess the dose if phenobarbital is stopped.
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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