Escitalopram Oxalate Drug Interactions
Also known as: Escitalopram
Escitalopram is a type of antidepressant medication called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder by helping to restore the balance of a natural substance called serotonin in the brain.Escitalopram Oxalate has 2 documented drug interactions in our database, including 2 contraindicated, 0 major, 0 moderate, and 0 minor interactions.
2
Contraindicated
0
Major
0
Moderate
0
Minor
The co-administration of escitalopram (an SSRI) and phenelzine (an MAOI) is absolutely contraindicated due to a significantly increased risk of Serotonin Syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by mental status changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular abnormalities. This combination can lead to severe and fatal reactions.
Mechanism
Escitalopram inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its concentration in the synaptic cleft. Phenelzine inhibits monoamine oxidase enzymes, preventing the breakdown of serotonin. The combined effect leads to excessive serotonergic activity in the central nervous system.
Clinical Management
This combination is strictly contraindicated. Escitalopram must be discontinued for at least 14 days before initiating phenelzine. Conversely, phenelzine must be discontinued for at least 14 days before initiating escitalopram. Patients should be closely monitored for signs of Serotonin Syndrome if accidental co-administration occurs.
Co-administration of escitalopram and tranylcypromine is absolutely contraindicated due to a severe and potentially fatal risk of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms can include mental status changes, autonomic instability, neuromuscular abnormalities, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Mechanism
Escitalopram increases serotonin levels by inhibiting its reuptake, while tranylcypromine, a non-selective MAOI, prevents the metabolic breakdown of serotonin. The combined effect leads to excessive serotonergic activity in the central nervous system.
Clinical Management
This combination is strictly contraindicated. A washout period of at least 14 days is required when switching from tranylcypromine to escitalopram, and at least 5 weeks when switching from escitalopram to tranylcypromine. Patients must be educated on the risks and symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
For complete prescribing information:
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