Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Rizatriptan
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Rizatriptan: 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 agents increase serotonergic activity, and serotonin syndrome has been reported with triptan and SSRI combinations. The absolute risk is low but the reaction can be serious.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Rizatriptan 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; Rizatriptan belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from SSRI reuptake inhibition and 5-HT1B/1D agonism.
What to do
Combination is acceptable when needed; educate the patient about serotonin syndrome and monitor after starting or increasing either drug. Discontinue both if symptoms 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 Escitalopram
- Cisapride + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Escitalopram + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Rizatriptan
- Almotriptan + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Rizatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Rizatriptan 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 agents increase serotonergic activity, and serotonin syndrome has been reported with triptan and SSRI combinations. The absolute risk is low but the reaction can be serious.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Rizatriptan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Combination is acceptable when needed; educate the patient about serotonin syndrome and monitor after starting or increasing either drug. Discontinue both if symptoms develop.
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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