Drug interactions
Ergotamine + Escitalopram
Severity: Moderate
Ergotamine 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
Escitalopram added to ergotamine may increase serotonergic load, and serotonin syndrome has been reported with ergot derivatives plus SSRIs. Ergotamine also causes vasoconstriction that could add to serotonergic toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ergotamine 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.
Ergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity; ergotamine has serotonin receptor agonist properties while escitalopram blocks serotonin reuptake.
What to do
Monitor for serotonin syndrome and limit ergotamine to the lowest effective dose and frequency. Consider a non-ergot acute migraine treatment if the patient has risk factors.
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 Ergotamine
- Almotriptan + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Ergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ergotamine with Escitalopram?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ergotamine 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. Escitalopram added to ergotamine may increase serotonergic load, and serotonin syndrome has been reported with ergot derivatives plus SSRIs. Ergotamine also causes vasoconstriction that could add to serotonergic toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine 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 serotonin syndrome and limit ergotamine to the lowest effective dose and frequency. Consider a non-ergot acute migraine treatment if the patient has risk factors.
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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