Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Hydroxyzine
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Hydroxyzine: 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 and hydroxyzine has regulatory warnings for torsades de pointes. Combination increases arrhythmia risk and may add sedation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Hydroxyzine 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with additive CNS depression.
What to do
Use the lowest hydroxyzine dose for the shortest time and avoid in patients with QT risk factors. Check ECG and electrolytes if the combination is necessary.
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 Hydroxyzine
- Droperidol + Hydroxyzine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydroxyzine Major
- Amiodarone + Hydroxyzine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Hydroxyzine 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 and hydroxyzine has regulatory warnings for torsades de pointes. Combination increases arrhythmia risk and may add sedation.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest hydroxyzine dose for the shortest time and avoid in patients with QT risk factors. Check ECG and electrolytes if the combination is necessary.
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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