Drug interactions
Cocaine + Escitalopram
Severity: Moderate
Cocaine and Escitalopram: 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
Cocaine blocks reuptake of serotonin as well as dopamine and norepinephrine, so combining it with an SSRI may add to serotonergic effects. With topical medical use systemic exposure is low and the risk of serotonin syndrome is small, but it is higher with illicit systemic use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cocaine and Escitalopram 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.
Cocaine belongs to Central Nervous System; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonin reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Watch for signs of serotonin toxicity such as agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and clonus. Advise patients against illicit cocaine use while taking escitalopram.
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 Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Cocaine
- Cocaine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Cocaine Major
- Bisoprolol + Cocaine Major
- Citalopram + Cocaine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cocaine with Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cocaine and Escitalopram 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. Cocaine blocks reuptake of serotonin as well as dopamine and norepinephrine, so combining it with an SSRI may add to serotonergic effects. With topical medical use systemic exposure is low and the risk of serotonin syndrome is small, but it is higher with illicit systemic use.
How serious is the interaction between Cocaine and Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Watch for signs of serotonin toxicity such as agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and clonus. Advise patients against illicit cocaine use while taking escitalopram.
What other medicines interact with Escitalopram?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Escitalopram with, for example, Cisapride, Citalopram, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Escitalopram page.
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