Drug interactions
Citalopram + Trazodone
Severity: Moderate
Citalopram and Trazodone: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, and trazodone also has serotonergic activity. Combined use may increase the risk of arrhythmia and serotonin toxicity, especially at higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Trazodone 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; Trazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and additive serotonergic effects.
What to do
Use low doses of trazodone, such as for sleep, and keep citalopram within its maximum labeled dose. Obtain an ECG and electrolytes in patients with cardiac risk factors and monitor for serotonin syndrome.
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 Trazodone
- Arsenic trioxide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Citalopram and Trazodone 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, and trazodone also has serotonergic activity. Combined use may increase the risk of arrhythmia and serotonin toxicity, especially at higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Trazodone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use low doses of trazodone, such as for sleep, and keep citalopram within its maximum labeled dose. Obtain an ECG and electrolytes in patients with cardiac risk factors 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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