Drug Interactions With Escitalopram

The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when escitalopram is combined with any of the drugs listed above.

 

It is not recommended that you drink alcohol while taking escitalopram. Combining alcohol and escitalopram may cause unwanted side effects (see Alcohol and Lexapro).

 

Taking escitalopram and aspirin together can increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking aspirin and escitalopram together.

 

Taking cimetidine and escitalopram together can increase the level of escitalopram in your blood, increasing your risk of side effects. If you are taking these drugs together, your healthcare provider may need to lower your escitalopram dose or may suggest an alternative to cimetidine.

 

Taking ketoconazole with escitalopram may decrease the level of ketoconazole in your blood, perhaps making it less effective. If you are taking these drugs together, your healthcare provider may need to increase your ketoconazole dose.

 

Taking escitalopram with linezolid can cause a group of symptoms called serotonin syndrome. These symptoms can include confusion, hallucinations, fast heartbeat, feeling faint, a fever, sweating, muscle spasms, difficulty walking, and diarrhea. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking these medications together. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms, as serotonin syndrome can be very dangerous.

 

Taking escitalopram with lithium can cause a group of symptoms called serotonin syndrome. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking these medications together. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome (see above), as it can be very dangerous.