What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Citalopram and methylene blue
Citalopram's FDA label of October 9, 2023 names methylene blue in its contraindications section; methylene blue's label does not name citalopram itself but warns about its class (serotonin reuptake inhibitors). The citalopram label: “Concomitant use of SSRIs, including Citalopram Capsules, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.”
Check it at the source: the citalopram FDA label on DailyMed (effective October 9, 2023, Allergan, Inc.); the methylene blue FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 28, 2025, American Regent, Inc.).
What does the citalopram label say about methylene blue?
Citalopram label, contraindicationsCONTRAINDICATIONS CELEXA is contraindicated in patients: taking, or within 14 days of stopping, MAOIs (including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue) because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. taking pimozide because of risk of QT prolongation [ see Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. with known hypersensitivity to citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients in CELEXA.
Citalopram label, drug interactionsClinically Important Drug Interactions with CELEXA Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact Concomitant use of SSRIs, including CELEXA, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention CELEXA 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 )].
Citalopram label, warnings and precautionsIf it is necessary to initiate treatment with an MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking CELEXA, discontinue CELEXA before initiating treatment with the MAOI [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )].
Source: FDA drug label (Citalopram, NDA215428), Almatica Pharma LLC, effective October 7, 2025 (SPL set 2f815b0c-6da7-cb61-e89c-7de628092d0d), via openFDA
Source: FDA drug label (Celexa), NDA020822 (Abbvie), as published by Allergan, Inc., effective October 9, 2023 (SPL set 4259d9b1-de34-43a4-85a8-41dd214e9177), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the methylene blue label say about citalopram?
Methylene blue's label does not name citalopram itself; it warns about its class (serotonin reuptake inhibitors):
Methylene blue label, drug interactionsAvoid concomitant use of PROVAYBLUE with medicinal products that enhance serotonergic transmission including antidepressants like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), bupropion, buspirone, clomipramine, mirtazapine, linezolid, opioids, and dextromethorphan because of the potential for serious CNS reactions, including potentially fatal serotonin syndrome.
Methylene blue label, boxed warningAvoid concomitant use of PROVAYBLUE with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and opioids. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )].
Source: FDA drug label (PROVAYBLUE), NDA204630 (Provepharm Sas), as published by American Regent, Inc., effective May 28, 2025 (SPL set 4f6848e5-35ed-4046-b13c-3032b5ba3232), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Citalopram | Methylene blue | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Depression | n/a |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.026 per tablet 10 mg tablet | n/a |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once