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citalopram vs linezolid

Side-by-side comparison of citalopram and linezolid. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.

major Known Drug Interaction

Intervention Citalopram is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) , Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] .

Recommendation: You should not take these two medicines together.

Drug Class
citalopram Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
linezolid Oxazolidinone Antibiotic
Type
citalopram Prescription
linezolid Prescription
Summary
citalopram

Citalopram is a medicine used to treat depression in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

linezolid

Linezolid is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in your body. It is used to treat different types of infections.

What It Treats
citalopram

Citalopram is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Depression can cause feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty functioning in daily life. This medicine can help improve your mood and overall well-being.

linezolid

Linezolid treats pneumonia, skin infections, and infections caused by certain drug-resistant bacteria. It can treat pneumonia that you get in the hospital or in the community. It also treats complicated and uncomplicated skin infections, including diabetic foot infections. Linezolid can also treat infections caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium.

How It Works
citalopram

Citalopram works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that helps regulate mood. By blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, citalopram helps to improve communication between nerve cells and stabilize mood.

linezolid

Linezolid works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It blocks bacteria from making proteins that they need to live and multiply. This helps your body fight off the infection.

Common Side Effects
citalopram
  • Ejaculation disorder (mostly delayed ejaculation)
linezolid
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Anemia
FAERS Reports
citalopram
  • Tiredness 8,930
  • Feeling sick to your stomach 8,204
  • Head pain 6,654
  • Loose stools 6,214
  • Discomfort 5,899
linezolid
  • Thrombocytopenia 2,032
  • Anaemia 1,601
  • Drug Interaction 1,381
  • Nausea 1,301
  • Vomiting 1,063
Serious Warnings
citalopram

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults. Your doctor will monitor you closely for worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. Citalopram is not approved for use in children.

linezolid

Linezolid can cause several serious side effects. It can lower your blood cell counts, so your doctor will monitor your blood. It can also cause nerve problems, especially if you take it for more than 28 days. Tell your doctor right away if you have vision changes, numbness, or tingling. Linezolid can also interact with certain antidepressants and cause a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome. Diarrhea can also occur.

Pregnancy
citalopram

Taking citalopram late in pregnancy may cause problems for the newborn. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medicine while pregnant. There is a pregnancy registry to monitor outcomes, call 1-844-405-6185 to register.

linezolid

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if linezolid will harm your unborn baby. It can pass into breast milk, so talk to your doctor about breastfeeding.

Also Compare, Nearby Drugs

How to Read This citalopram vs linezolid Comparison

citalopram is classified in the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) drug class, while linezolid sits within the Oxazolidinone Antibiotic class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.

Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, citalopram has 35,901 submissions while linezolid has 7,378. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known major interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to linezolid acts like a special type of medicine called an mao inhibitor, which can cause a dangerous buildup of a brain chemical called serotonin when mixed with citalopram.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.

A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between citalopram and linezolid - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.

Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.