Drug interactions between escitalopram and Nexium

esomeprazole ↔ escitalopram

Applies to:Nexium (esomeprazole) and escitalopram

MONITOR: Coadministration with CYP450 2C19 inhibitors may increase the plasma concentrations of escitalopram, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. The interaction has been studied with omeprazole, a potent CYP450 2C19 inhibitor. In study subjects, administration of a single 20 mg dose of escitalopram on day 5 of treatment with omeprazole 30 mg once daily for 6 days resulted in increases of escitalopram peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by approximately 10% and 50%, respectively. High plasma levels of escitalopram may increase the risk of side effects including serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5-HT1A and 2A receptors. Symptoms of the serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucination, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if escitalopram must be used in combination with CYP450 2C19 inhibitors such as cimetidine, esomeprazole, etravirine, felbamate, fluconazole, lansoprazole, letrozole, modafinil, omeprazole, oxcarbazepine, ticlopidine, and voriconazole. Pharmacologic response to escitalopram should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 2C19 inhibitor is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the escitalopram dosage adjusted as necessary. This may be particularly important in patients receiving escitalopram at the upper end of the dosage range. Patients should be closely monitored for symptoms of the serotonin syndrome during treatment.