Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Linezolid
Severity: Major
Escitalopram and Linezolid: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 linezolid with escitalopram can cause serotonin syndrome. Cases have been reported with SSRIs, and severity can range from mild to life-threatening.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Linezolid can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Linezolid belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition by linezolid and serotonin reuptake inhibition by escitalopram cause additive serotonergic effect.
What to do
Prefer a non-serotonergic antibiotic. If linezolid is essential, stop escitalopram and monitor closely for serotonin toxicity, or monitor carefully if treatment is urgent and cannot be interrupted.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Linezolid
- Amoxapine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Linezolid 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 Escitalopram with Linezolid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Escitalopram and Linezolid can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Combining linezolid with escitalopram can cause serotonin syndrome. Cases have been reported with SSRIs, and severity can range from mild to life-threatening.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Linezolid?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-serotonergic antibiotic. If linezolid is essential, stop escitalopram and monitor closely for serotonin toxicity, or monitor carefully if treatment is urgent and cannot be interrupted.
What other medicines interact with Linezolid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Linezolid with, for example, Amoxapine, Atomoxetine, Benzphetamine. The full list is on the Linezolid page.
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