Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Olanzapine / samidorphan
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Olanzapine / samidorphan: 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 cause sedation, and olanzapine can cause orthostatic hypotension and QT effects. Combined use may increase drowsiness, dizziness and falls. Escitalopram is commonly co-prescribed with olanzapine and is generally manageable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Olanzapine / samidorphan 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 CNS depressant and hypotensive pharmacodynamic effects.
What to do
Monitor for sedation and orthostatic hypotension, especially at initiation and after dose changes. Advise caution with driving and with alcohol.
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 Olanzapine / samidorphan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Olanzapine / samidorphan 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 cause sedation, and olanzapine can cause orthostatic hypotension and QT effects. Combined use may increase drowsiness, dizziness and falls. Escitalopram is commonly co-prescribed with olanzapine and is generally manageable.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Olanzapine / samidorphan?
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 sedation and orthostatic hypotension, especially at initiation and after dose changes. Advise caution with driving and with alcohol.
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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