Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Secobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Secobarbital: 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
Secobarbital may lower escitalopram concentrations through induction of its metabolising enzymes, possibly reducing antidepressant effect. Additive sedation can also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Secobarbital 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; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 by secobarbital increases escitalopram clearance, plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Monitor for worsening depressive or anxiety symptoms and adjust the escitalopram dose if needed. Warn the patient about drowsiness.
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 Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
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 Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Secobarbital 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. Secobarbital may lower escitalopram concentrations through induction of its metabolising enzymes, possibly reducing antidepressant effect. Additive sedation can also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Secobarbital?
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 worsening depressive or anxiety symptoms and adjust the escitalopram dose if needed. Warn the patient about drowsiness.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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