Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Fentanyl transdermal
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Fentanyl transdermal: 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
Combining fentanyl with an SSRI such as escitalopram can, rarely, cause serotonin syndrome, with agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and autonomic instability. Fentanyl also adds CNS and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Fentanyl transdermal 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.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity, since fentanyl weakly inhibits serotonin reuptake and acts on serotonergic pathways.
What to do
Monitor for serotonin syndrome symptoms, especially after starting or raising doses; stop one of the drugs if toxicity develops.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Fentanyl transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Fentanyl transdermal 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. Combining fentanyl with an SSRI such as escitalopram can, rarely, cause serotonin syndrome, with agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and autonomic instability. Fentanyl also adds CNS and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Fentanyl transdermal?
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 symptoms, especially after starting or raising doses; stop one of the drugs if toxicity develops.
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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