Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Vilazodone
Severity: Major
Escitalopram and Vilazodone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 drugs enhance serotonergic neurotransmission, so combining them raises the risk of serotonin syndrome, with agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, clonus and autonomic instability. The combination offers no clear benefit over a single agent and adds adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Vilazodone 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; Vilazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonin reuptake inhibition (vilazodone also has 5-HT1A partial agonism) leads to excess serotonergic activity.
What to do
Avoid combining two serotonergic antidepressants; use a single agent and cross-taper with care if switching. If serotonin syndrome is suspected, stop both drugs and give supportive treatment.
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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References
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 Vilazodone
- Isocarboxazid + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Vilazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Vilazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Escitalopram and Vilazodone 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. Both drugs enhance serotonergic neurotransmission, so combining them raises the risk of serotonin syndrome, with agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, clonus and autonomic instability. The combination offers no clear benefit over a single agent and adds adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Vilazodone?
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 combining two serotonergic antidepressants; use a single agent and cross-taper with care if switching. If serotonin syndrome is suspected, stop both drugs and give supportive treatment.
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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