Drug interactions
Dextroamphetamine + Escitalopram
Severity: Moderate
Dextroamphetamine 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
Amphetamines increase release of monoamines including serotonin, and with an SSRI this may contribute to serotonin toxicity. Combined use is sometimes done deliberately in psychiatric practice, but it needs attention to cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dextroamphetamine 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.
Dextroamphetamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity from amphetamine-induced monoamine release plus serotonin reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Monitor for agitation, tremor, tachycardia, hyperthermia and neuromuscular excitability, particularly after dose changes. Use the lowest effective doses and stop one agent if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
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 Dextroamphetamine
- Dextroamphetamine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dextroamphetamine with Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dextroamphetamine 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. Amphetamines increase release of monoamines including serotonin, and with an SSRI this may contribute to serotonin toxicity. Combined use is sometimes done deliberately in psychiatric practice, but it needs attention to cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric effects.
How serious is the interaction between Dextroamphetamine 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: Monitor for agitation, tremor, tachycardia, hyperthermia and neuromuscular excitability, particularly after dose changes. Use the lowest effective doses and stop one agent if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
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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