Drug interactions
Efavirenz + Escitalopram
Severity: Moderate
Efavirenz 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, raising arrhythmia risk. Efavirenz has opposing effects on escitalopram metabolism via CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, so net exposure is unpredictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Efavirenz 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.
Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation with mixed CYP2C19 inhibition and CYP3A4 induction affecting escitalopram.
What to do
Monitor the ECG and electrolytes and assess antidepressant response and tolerability. Adjust the escitalopram dose as required.
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 Efavirenz
- Cobimetinib + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Efavirenz with Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Efavirenz 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, raising arrhythmia risk. Efavirenz has opposing effects on escitalopram metabolism via CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, so net exposure is unpredictable.
How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz 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 the ECG and electrolytes and assess antidepressant response and tolerability. Adjust the escitalopram dose as required.
What other medicines interact with Efavirenz?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Efavirenz with, for example, Cobimetinib, Dienogest / estradiol valerate, Dihydroergotamine intranasal. The full list is on the Efavirenz page.
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