{"id":61084,"date":"2023-10-30T11:38:12","date_gmt":"2023-10-30T15:38:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=61084"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:27:34","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:27:34","slug":"escitalopram-interactions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/escitalopram-interactions\/","title":{"rendered":"Escitalopram interactions to avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escitalopram oxalate is an antidepressant that is approved to treat mental health conditions, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/depression-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">major depressive disorder <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/anxiety-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">generalized anxiety disorder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It&rsquo;s a generic medication, but it&rsquo;s also available as the brand-name drug <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lexapro\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lexapro<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Escitalopram is usually taken once per day and is a medication that people take long-term for the management of their condition. Escitalopram belongs to a class of drugs called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/ssris\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work similarly. Escitalopram works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that affects your mood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While escitalopram can be an effective treatment option for people, it has drug interactions that people should be aware of. Interactions can affect how escitalopram works, or they can cause mild or serious side effects. Several drugs may interact with escitalopram. Therefore, it&rsquo;s important to take precautions while taking escitalopram. Make sure that healthcare providers know all of the medications you take so they can identify potential interactions ahead of time. This includes all over-the-counter and prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continue reading to learn more about escitalopram and its interactions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"key-takeaways\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key takeaways:<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escitalopram is used to manage depression and anxiety.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escitalopram should not be taken with any monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), any other drugs that increase serotonin levels in your body, or pimozide.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drugs that affect bleeding, such as Coumadin (warfarin) or aspirin, should be used with caution if you are taking escitalopram. Be sure to discuss using any new medications with your provider to avoid interactions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"escitalopram-drug-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escitalopram drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several drugs that can interact with escitalopram. Some interactions may cause mild side effects, such as constipation, dry mouth, or trouble sleeping. While others can cause serious side effects, such as serotonin syndrome or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/glaucoma-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">glaucoma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Interactions may also affect how well escitalopram works.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s important to note that this article doesn&rsquo;t provide a complete list of all escitalopram interactions. To avoid interactions, be sure to discuss all of the medications you take with your healthcare provider.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"monoamine-oxidase-inhibitors-maois\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/maois\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a class of drugs that are typically used for conditions such as depression and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/parkinsons-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parkinson&rsquo;s disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While they are an effective treatment option, their use is not as common because they can cause a lot of side effects and require strict dietary restrictions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escitalopram should not be taken with any MAOIs. This combination of medications can cause a rare but serious condition called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/serotonin-syndrome-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serotonin syndrome<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there are high levels of a chemical called serotonin in the body. Symptoms include high blood pressure, fast heart rate, sweating, muscle rigidity, changes in mental status, and seizures. If you experience any of the following symptoms, get medical help right away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to this risk, there are specific timelines to follow if switching from an MAOI to escitalopram, or vice versa. Allow at least two weeks (14 days) to pass between stopping one medication and starting the other.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of MAOIs include:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rasagiline-mesylate#coupons\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azilect<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (rasagiline)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/selegiline-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eldepryl, Emsam<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (selegiline)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/marplan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marplan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (isocarboxazid)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/nardil\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nardil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (phenelzine)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/parnate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parnate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (tranylcypromine)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/provayblue\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ProvayBlue<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (methylene blue)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zyvox\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zyvox<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (linezolid)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"medications-that-increase-serotonin-levels\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications that increase serotonin levels<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many medications may increase serotonin levels in the body. Escitalopram should not be combined with these drugs because doing so can cause an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of these drugs include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Triptans, including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/sumatriptan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imitrex<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (sumatriptan) and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zomig\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zomig<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (zolmitriptan)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amitriptyline-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amitriptyline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/doxepin-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Silenor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (doxepin)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/fentanyl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fentanyl<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lithium-carbonate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lithium carbonate<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tramadol-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (tramadol)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/buspirone-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buspirone<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dextroamphetamine-sulfate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexedrine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (dextroamphetamine sulfate extended-release)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tryptophan\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tryptophan<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"pimozide\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pimozide<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/pimozide\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pimozide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nctr-crs.fda.gov\/fdalabel\/services\/spl\/set-ids\/70b079e2-a1f7-4a93-8685-d60a4d7c1280\/spl-doc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">an antipsychotic medication<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to treat <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ncbddd\/tourette\/facts.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tourette Syndrome<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It can affect the heart&rsquo;s rhythm by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspharmacist.com\/article\/drug-induced-qt-prolongation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prolonging the QT interval<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is the time it takes for the lower chambers of the heart to contract and then fully relax. This can lead to life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking escitalopram with pimozide may increase the risk of QT prolongation. Therefore, these medications should not be taken together.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get medical help right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of QT prolongation:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Racing heart (palpitations)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightheadedness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fainting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"medications-that-affect-bleeding\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications that affect bleeding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/warfarin-sodium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coumadin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (warfarin), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/nsaids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/aspirin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">aspirin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are all medications that affect how your blood naturally clots. Coumadin (warfarin) <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nctr-crs.fda.gov\/fdalabel\/services\/spl\/set-ids\/541c9a70-adaf-4ef3-94ba-ad4e70dfa057\/spl-doc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thins the blood<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while aspirin <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/9263351\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prevents platelets<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from clumping together to form blood clots. While these medications are effective treatment options for conditions such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/singlecare.com\/blog\/signs-of-a-stroke\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stroke prevention<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they can also increase the risk of bleeding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SSRIs, such as escitalopram, can also cause bleeding problems. Therefore, escitalopram should be used with caution while taking Coumadin (warfarin), NSAIDs, aspirin, or other medications that raise the risk of bleeding.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of drugs that affect bleeding include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coumadin (warfarin)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/advil\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (ibuprofen)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/aleve\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aleve<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (naproxen)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/indocin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indocin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (indomethacin)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/xarelto\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xarelto<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (rivaroxaban)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/eliquis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eliquis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (apixaban)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"escitalopram-food-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escitalopram-food interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, food can interact with medications. Grapefruit is an example of a food that commonly interacts with many medications.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"escitalopram-and-grapefruit\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escitalopram and grapefruit<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grapefruit and grapefruit juice interact with several drugs. And it is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18663908\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">possible<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that they can interact with escitalopram. While more research is needed to know if these products have a definite effect on escitalopram, it is possible that they can interfere with the way your body breaks down the medicine. This could lead to a buildup of escitalopram in your body, which can increase the risk of adverse effects.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of this possible risk, try to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while using escitalopram.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"other-escitalopram-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other escitalopram interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escitalopram doesn&rsquo;t interact with any specific beverages but consuming alcohol or caffeine can worsen the symptoms of your condition or worsen side effects of the medication. Escitalopram should also be taken with caution in people with certain medical conditions, such as people with liver problems.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"escitalopram-and-alcohol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escitalopram and alcohol<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although alcohol and escitalopram don&rsquo;t directly interact, it&rsquo;s recommended to avoid alcohol while taking escitalopram. Mixing alcohol and escitalopram can worsen the medication&rsquo;s side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. Additionally, alcohol itself can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ajp.psychiatryonline.org\/doi\/10.1176\/appi.ajp.20230004\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which are the conditions that escitalopram is used to treat.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"escitalopram-and-caffeine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escitalopram and caffeine&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similar to alcohol, caffeine isn&rsquo;t known to interact with escitalopram, but caffeine may make anxiety symptoms <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/caffeine-and-anxiety\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">worse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially if you consume large amounts of caffeine.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"escitalopram-and-dietary-supplements\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escitalopram and dietary supplements<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. John&rsquo;s wort is a dietary supplement that is most often used for depression. There are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/st-johns-wort-and-depression-in-depth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mixed opinions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on the effectiveness of St. John&rsquo;s wort for depression, and doctors typically don&rsquo;t recommend taking it for several reasons. One reason is that it can interact with several medications. In fact, taking it in combination with escitalopram can raise serotonin to dangerous levels in your body. This can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to discuss any supplements with your healthcare provider if you are taking escitalopram.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"escitalopram-and-certain-medical-conditions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escitalopram and certain medical conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with certain medical conditions may be at higher risk of side effects from escitalopram. These people should weigh the risks and benefits of taking escitalopram with their healthcare professionals. If escitalopram is prescribed, you may require close monitoring. Some of these conditions include, but are not limited to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People aged 24 years and younger<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older adults<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with bipolar disorder<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with kidney and liver problems<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should always discuss the use of any medications with their provider. Taking escitalopram late in pregnancy can cause problems in your newborn. Furthermore, escitalopram can pass into breast milk.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-minimize-escitalopram-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to minimize escitalopram interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to keep an updated list of all the prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take and all medical conditions you have. Whenever you start a new medication, give this list to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Having this information can help them prevent any interactions before they occur.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have already started taking a medication that escitalopram interacts with, ask your healthcare provider for medical advice before making any changes to your drug regimen. Do not suddenly stop taking escitalopram. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as confusion, headache, or trouble sleeping. If needed, your provider will come up with a plan for you to gradually stop taking the medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you pick up your prescription, it will come with a Medication Guide and Patient Information Sheet. Carefully read these documents as they contain important safety information, including information about interactions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"when-to-talk-to-a-healthcare-provider-about-escitalopram-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to talk to a healthcare provider about escitalopram interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before you take any new drugs to make sure it is safe to take with your current medications. Some interactions require the dosages of the medications to be adjusted, while other interactions mean the two drugs should not be taken together at all.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, communicate with your providers about any side effects you&rsquo;re experiencing, even if you aren&rsquo;t sure if they are related to escitalopram. In some cases, side effects may be related to a drug interaction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article does not provide a complete list of all escitalopram interactions. So it&rsquo;s important that you communicate openly with your providers to ensure proper management of your health.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Escitalopram oxalate is an antidepressant that is approved to treat mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It&rsquo;s a generic medication, but it&rsquo;s also available as the brand-name drug Lexapro. Escitalopram is usually taken once per day and is a medication that people take long-term for the management of their [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":61087,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[451,814],"coauthors":[20969],"class_list":["post-61084","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-depression","tag-drug-interactions","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Escitalopram interactions to avoid | SingleCare<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Escitalopram (Lexapro) interacts with MAOIs, anticoagulants, medications that increase serotonin levels, and grapefruit juice. Here\u2019s what you should not take with escitalopram to avoid side effects.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/escitalopram-interactions\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Escitalopram interactions to avoid\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Escitalopram (Lexapro) interacts with MAOIs, anticoagulants, medications that increase serotonin levels, and grapefruit juice. 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