Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Oxcarbazepine
Severity: Minor
Escitalopram and Oxcarbazepine: minor 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
Oxcarbazepine's active metabolite is a weak inhibitor of CYP2C19 and a weak inducer of CYP3A4, so effects on escitalopram exposure are uncertain and probably small. Clinically important changes are unlikely in most patients, though oxcarbazepine and SSRIs can each contribute to hyponatremia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Oxcarbazepine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Escitalopram belongs to Central Nervous System; Oxcarbazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Weak CYP2C19 inhibition and CYP3A4 induction by oxcarbazepine's metabolite may modestly alter escitalopram clearance; the effect is not well established.
What to do
No empirical dose change is needed; monitor clinical response and serum sodium, particularly in older patients.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Oxcarbazepine
- Cabotegravir + Oxcarbazepine Contraindicated
- Oxcarbazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Atazanavir + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Bictegravir + Oxcarbazepine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Escitalopram and Oxcarbazepine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Oxcarbazepine's active metabolite is a weak inhibitor of CYP2C19 and a weak inducer of CYP3A4, so effects on escitalopram exposure are uncertain and probably small. Clinically important changes are unlikely in most patients, though oxcarbazepine and SSRIs can each contribute to hyponatremia.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No empirical dose change is needed; monitor clinical response and serum sodium, particularly in older patients.
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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