Drug interactions
Citalopram + Pitolisant
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Pitolisant: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Pitolisant can prolong the QT interval at higher exposures, and citalopram has a dose-related QT-prolonging effect. The combination may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, particularly with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Pitolisant can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Citalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Pitolisant belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation through pharmacodynamic synergy.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If both are required, use the lowest effective citalopram dose, obtain an ECG, and correct electrolyte abnormalities.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
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 Pitolisant
- Alfuzosin + Pitolisant Major
- Amiodarone + Pitolisant Major
- Amisulpride + Pitolisant Major
- Anagrelide + Pitolisant Major
- Asenapine + Pitolisant Major
- Bupropion + Pitolisant Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Pitolisant can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Pitolisant can prolong the QT interval at higher exposures, and citalopram has a dose-related QT-prolonging effect. The combination may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, particularly with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible. If both are required, use the lowest effective citalopram dose, obtain an ECG, and correct electrolyte abnormalities.
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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