Drug interactions
Citalopram + Vilazodone
Severity: Major
Citalopram and Vilazodone: 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
Vilazodone is an SSRI and partial 5-HT1A agonist, so adding it to citalopram increases serotonergic load. This raises the risk of serotonin syndrome with agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and clonus.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Vilazodone 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; Vilazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonin reuptake inhibition with 5-HT1A partial agonism.
What to do
Avoid the combination and use a single serotonergic antidepressant. During any cross-taper, monitor for serotonin toxicity and move gradually.
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 Vilazodone
- Isocarboxazid + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Vilazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Vilazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Citalopram and Vilazodone 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. Vilazodone is an SSRI and partial 5-HT1A agonist, so adding it to citalopram increases serotonergic load. This raises the risk of serotonin syndrome with agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and clonus.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Vilazodone?
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 and use a single serotonergic antidepressant. During any cross-taper, monitor for serotonin toxicity and move gradually.
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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