Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Morphine
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Morphine: 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
Serotonin syndrome has been reported with opioids and SSRIs, though morphine has weak serotonergic activity and the risk is low. Symptoms include agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, sweating and fever.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Morphine 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; Morphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Possible additive serotonergic effects; morphine has only weak serotonin reuptake activity.
What to do
Usually acceptable; watch for serotonin toxicity after starting or increasing doses. Stop the agents and give supportive care if features develop.
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 Morphine
- Alvimopan + Morphine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Morphine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Morphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Morphine Major
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 Morphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Morphine 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. Serotonin syndrome has been reported with opioids and SSRIs, though morphine has weak serotonergic activity and the risk is low. Symptoms include agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, sweating and fever.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Morphine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Usually acceptable; watch for serotonin toxicity after starting or increasing doses. Stop the agents and give supportive care if features develop.
What other medicines interact with Morphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Morphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Morphine page.
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