Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Rasagiline
Severity: Major
Escitalopram and Rasagiline: major 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
Rasagiline is an MAO-B inhibitor that can lose selectivity at higher doses, and combining it with an SSRI has been associated with serotonin syndrome. Severe CNS toxicity with hyperthermia has been reported with antidepressants and rasagiline.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Rasagiline 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; Rasagiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effect from reuptake inhibition combined with inhibition of monoamine breakdown.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and observe washout intervals when switching, roughly 14 days after stopping rasagiline before starting escitalopram. If co-administered, use the lowest doses and monitor for serotonin toxicity.
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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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 Rasagiline
- Atomoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Rasagiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Escitalopram and Rasagiline 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. Rasagiline is an MAO-B inhibitor that can lose selectivity at higher doses, and combining it with an SSRI has been associated with serotonin syndrome. Severe CNS toxicity with hyperthermia has been reported with antidepressants and rasagiline.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Rasagiline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible and observe washout intervals when switching, roughly 14 days after stopping rasagiline before starting escitalopram. If co-administered, use the lowest doses and monitor for serotonin toxicity.
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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