Drug interactions
Escitalopram + Zolmitriptan
Severity: Moderate
Escitalopram and Zolmitriptan: 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 triptans combined with SSRIs. The absolute risk is low but the reaction can be serious.
What this interaction means in plain words
Escitalopram and Zolmitriptan 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; Zolmitriptan belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from SSRI reuptake inhibition and 5-HT1B/1D agonism.
What to do
Co-prescription is acceptable when needed; counsel on serotonin syndrome symptoms and monitor after starting or increasing doses. Discontinue both agents if symptoms occur.
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 Zolmitriptan
- Almotriptan + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Escitalopram with Zolmitriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Escitalopram and Zolmitriptan 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 triptans combined with SSRIs. The absolute risk is low but the reaction can be serious.
How serious is the interaction between Escitalopram and Zolmitriptan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Co-prescription is acceptable when needed; counsel on serotonin syndrome symptoms and monitor after starting or increasing doses. Discontinue both agents if symptoms occur.
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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