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Drug Interactions between chlorpromazine and escitalopram

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

chlorproMAZINE escitalopram

Applies to: chlorpromazine and escitalopram

Using escitalopram together with chlorproMAZINE can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone. You should also avoid driving, operating machinery or engaging in potentially hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination until you know how the medications affect you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

escitalopram food

Applies to: escitalopram

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of escitalopram such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with escitalopram. Do not use more than the recommended dose of escitalopram, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Moderate

chlorproMAZINE food

Applies to: chlorpromazine

Ask your doctor before using chlorproMAZINE together with ethanol (alcohol). This can cause uncontrollable movements, agitation, seizures, severe dizziness or fainting, coma, very deep sleep, irregular heartbeats, and high or low body temperature. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities, these medicaions may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate

chlorproMAZINE food

Applies to: chlorpromazine

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

MONITOR: Smoking cessation may lead to elevated plasma concentrations and enhanced pharmacologic effects of drugs that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 (and possibly CYP450 1A1) and/or certain drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., flecainide, pentazocine). One proposed mechanism is related to the loss of CYP450 1A2 and 1A1 induction by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tobacco smoke; when smoking cessation agents are initiated and smoking stops, the metabolism of certain drugs may decrease leading to increased plasma concentrations. The mechanism by which smoking cessation affects narrow therapeutic index drugs that are not known substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1 is unknown. The clinical significance of this interaction is unknown as clinical data are lacking.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available, caution is advisable if smoking cessation agents are used concomitantly with drugs that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1 and/or those with a narrow therapeutic range. Patients receiving smoking cessation agents may require periodic dose adjustments and closer clinical and laboratory monitoring of medications that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1.

Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

See also

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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