Drug interactions
Citalopram + Rasagiline
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Rasagiline: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Rasagiline is a selective MAO-B inhibitor that can lose selectivity at higher doses, and SSRIs given with it have caused serotonin syndrome in case reports. The risk is lower than with nonselective MAO inhibitors but still clinically relevant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Rasagiline 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; Rasagiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Reduced serotonin breakdown from MAO inhibition combined with serotonin reuptake blockade, giving excess serotonergic activity.
What to do
Avoid combining when alternatives exist, and allow an adequate washout between the drugs as per labeling. If used together, keep doses low and monitor for serotonin syndrome.
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 Rasagiline
- Atomoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Rasagiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Rasagiline 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. Rasagiline is a selective MAO-B inhibitor that can lose selectivity at higher doses, and SSRIs given with it have caused serotonin syndrome in case reports. The risk is lower than with nonselective MAO inhibitors but still clinically relevant.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Rasagiline?
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 combining when alternatives exist, and allow an adequate washout between the drugs as per labeling. If used together, keep doses low and monitor for serotonin syndrome.
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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