Drug interactions
Citalopram + Secobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Secobarbital: 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 is metabolized by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, so inducers such as barbiturates may lower its concentrations. Antidepressant effect could be reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Secobarbital 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; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Enzyme induction by secobarbital (CYP3A4 and CYP2C19) increases citalopram clearance.
What to do
Monitor depressive symptoms and adjust the citalopram dose if response declines. Be aware of increased exposure if the barbiturate 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 Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
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 Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Secobarbital 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 is metabolized by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, so inducers such as barbiturates may lower its concentrations. Antidepressant effect could be reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Secobarbital?
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 adjust the citalopram dose if response declines. Be aware of increased exposure if the barbiturate is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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