What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Citalopram and escitalopram
Escitalopram's FDA label of October 1, 2023 names citalopram in its contraindications section; citalopram's label does not name escitalopram itself but warns about its class (serotonin reuptake inhibitors). The escitalopram label: “Concomitant use of racemic citalopram with pimozide increases plasma concentrations of pimozide, a drug with a narrow therapeutic index, and may increase the risk of QT prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias …”
Check it at the source: the citalopram FDA label on DailyMed (effective October 9, 2023, Allergan, Inc.); the escitalopram FDA label on DailyMed (effective October 1, 2023, Allergan, Inc.).
What does the citalopram label say about escitalopram?
Citalopram's label does not name escitalopram itself; it warns about its class (serotonin reuptake inhibitors):
Citalopram label, warnings and precautionsSerotonin Syndrome SSRIs, including CELEXA, can precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
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.
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 escitalopram label say about citalopram?
Escitalopram label, contraindicationsStarting Lexapro in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. taking pimozide [see Drug Interactions ( 7 ) ]. with a hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients in Lexapro.
Escitalopram label, drug interactionsPimozide Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of racemic citalopram with pimozide increases plasma concentrations of pimozide, a drug with a narrow therapeutic index, and may increase the risk of QT prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias compared to use of racemic citalopram alone. Intervention: Lexapro is contraindicated in patients taking pimozide [see Contraindications ()].
Escitalopram label, warnings and precautionsIn subjects with hepatic impairment, clearance of racemic citalopram was decreased and plasma concentrations were increased.
Escitalopram label (Almatica Pharma LLC, August 31, 2025), contraindicationsConcomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI ( 4 , 5.2 , 7) Concomitant use of pimozide ( 4 , 7) Known hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram or any inactive ingredient in Escitalopram Capsules
Escitalopram label (Almatica Pharma LLC, August 31, 2025), drug interactionsMechanism and Clinical Effect (s); Concomitant use of racemic citalopram with pimozide increases plasma concentrations of pimozide, a drug with a narrow therapeutic index, and may increase the risk of QT prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias compared to use of racemic citalopram alone. The mechanism of this pharmacodynamic interaction is not known [see Clinical Pharmacology ()].
Source: FDA drug label (Escitalopram, NDA219130), Almatica Pharma LLC, effective August 31, 2025 (SPL set c0401570-a3b0-bef2-7365-c23dc952b8b6), via openFDA
Source: FDA drug label (Lexapro), NDA021323 (Abbvie), as published by Allergan, Inc., effective October 1, 2023 (SPL set 13bb8267-1cab-43e5-acae-55a4d957630a), 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 | Escitalopram | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Depression | Depression, Anxiety |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.026 per tablet 10 mg tablet | $0.0632 per tablet 20 mg tablet |
| 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