Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Sumatriptan
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Sumatriptan: 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 sumatriptan and SSRIs. Epidemiologic data suggest the absolute risk is low, but the reaction can be serious.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Sumatriptan 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; Sumatriptan belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from SSRI reuptake inhibition and 5-HT1B/1D agonism.
What to do
Use together when clinically needed; counsel on serotonin syndrome symptoms and monitor after initiation or dose changes. Stop both drugs and give supportive care if toxicity develops.
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 Sumatriptan
- Almotriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Sumatriptan 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 sumatriptan and SSRIs. Epidemiologic data suggest the absolute risk is low, but the reaction can be serious.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use together when clinically needed; counsel on serotonin syndrome symptoms and monitor after initiation or dose changes. Stop both drugs and give supportive care if toxicity develops.
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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