Drug interactions
Citalopram + Sufentanil
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Sufentanil: 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
Opioids such as sufentanil have weak serotonergic activity, and with an SSRI like citalopram serotonin syndrome has been reported with this drug class. Additive sedation and respiratory depression are also possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Sufentanil 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; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity, with some SSRI-related CYP effects on opioid metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for serotonin toxicity (agitation, clonus, hyperthermia, autonomic instability) and for excessive sedation after starting or titrating either drug. Use the lowest effective sufentanil dose.
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 Sufentanil
- Alprazolam + Sufentanil Major
- Amitriptyline + Sufentanil Major
- Amobarbital + Sufentanil Major
- Aripiprazole + Sufentanil Major
- Asenapine + Sufentanil Major
- Baclofen + Sufentanil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Sufentanil 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. Opioids such as sufentanil have weak serotonergic activity, and with an SSRI like citalopram serotonin syndrome has been reported with this drug class. Additive sedation and respiratory depression are also possible.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Sufentanil?
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 for serotonin toxicity (agitation, clonus, hyperthermia, autonomic instability) and for excessive sedation after starting or titrating either drug. Use the lowest effective sufentanil dose.
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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