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Can you take Esketamine with Lexapro?

No drug interactions found, but 30 warnings to review for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

There were no interactions found between esketamine and Lexapro. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

escitalopram Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Lexapro (escitalopram)

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of escitalopram such as:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • 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:

esketamine Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: esketamine

Using esketamine together with alcohol may increase side effects such as:

  • drowsiness
  • confusion
  • difficulty concentrating
  • impairment in thinking, judgment, reaction speed, and motor coordination

You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with esketamine.

Nausea and vomiting may occur following the nasal application of esketamine.

To help prevent nausea and vomiting, you should avoid eating for at least 2 hours before using esketamine and avoid drinking liquids for at least 30 minutes before using esketamine.

Disease interactions

28 potential interactions Applies to: 24 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Depression, Allergies, Bipolar Disorder, and Seizures.

Allergies

Major:

esketamine

Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Allergies.

Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Anorexia/Feeding Problems

Minor:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a minor potential interaction with Anorexia/Feeding Problems.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may occasionally cause significant weight loss, which may be undesirable in patients suffering from anorexia, malnutrition or excessive weight loss. Anorexia may occur in approximately 5% to 10% of patients. Weight change should be monitored during therapy if an SSRI is used in these patients.

Aortic Aneurysm

Major:

esketamine

Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Aortic Aneurysm.

Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Bipolar Disorder

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like other antidepressants, may occasionally cause or activate mania or hypomania. The reported incidence ranged from 0.1% to 2% in premarketing testing of several SSRIs. Patients with bipolar disorder are generally more likely to experience mania from antidepressants. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of mania or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating treatment, it is recommended to adequately screen patients for bipolar disorder, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Bleeding Disorder

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with Bleeding Disorder.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been associated with altered platelet function. Petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, increased bleeding times, epistaxis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage have been reported. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis.

Cerebral Vascular Disorder

Major:

esketamine

Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.

Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Coagulation Defects and Disorders

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with Coagulation Defects and Disorders.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been associated with altered platelet function. Petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, increased bleeding times, epistaxis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage have been reported. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis.

Dehydration

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with Dehydration.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has rarely been associated with hyponatremia, sometimes secondary to development of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). These events have generally been reversible following discontinuation of SSRI therapy and/or medical intervention. SSRI-related hyponatremia may be more common in elderly female patients and those who are volume-depleted or receiving concomitant diuretic therapy. Caution may be warranted when SSRI therapy is administered in these patients and patients with preexisting hyponatremia or SIADH. Serum electrolytes, especially sodium as well as BUN and plasma creatinine, should be monitored regularly.

Depression

Major:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a major potential interaction with Depression.

Adult and pediatric patients with depression and other psychiatric disorders may experience worsening of their symptoms and may have the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for worsening of their symptoms, suicidality or changes in their behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment, and at times of dose changes. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the treating physician. Discontinuing the medication should be considered if symptoms are persistently worse, or abrupt in onset. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like other antidepressants, may occasionally cause or activate mania or hypomania. The reported incidence ranged from 0.1% to 2% in premarketing testing of several SSRIs. Patients with bipolar disorder are generally more likely to experience mania from antidepressants. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of mania or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating treatment, it is recommended to adequately screen patients for bipolar disorder, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Drug Dependence

Major:

esketamine

Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Drug Dependence.

Esketamine, is a Schedule III controlled substance (CIII), and may be subject to abuse and diversion. Assess each patient's risk for abuse or misuse prior to prescribing esketamine and monitor all patients receiving treatment for the development of these behaviors or conditions, including drug- seeking behavior, while on therapy. Individuals with a history of drug abuse or dependence are at greater risk; therefore, use careful consideration prior to treatment of individuals with a history of substance use disorder and monitor for signs of abuse or dependence.

Failure to Thrive

Minor:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a minor potential interaction with Failure to Thrive.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may occasionally cause significant weight loss, which may be undesirable in patients suffering from anorexia, malnutrition or excessive weight loss. Anorexia may occur in approximately 5% to 10% of patients. Weight change should be monitored during therapy if an SSRI is used in these patients.

High Blood Pressure

Major:

esketamine

Esketamine has a major potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.

History - Cerebrovascular Disease

Major:

esketamine

Esketamine has a major potential interaction with History - Cerebrovascular Disease.

Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Hyponatremia

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with Hyponatremia.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has rarely been associated with hyponatremia, sometimes secondary to development of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). These events have generally been reversible following discontinuation of SSRI therapy and/or medical intervention. SSRI-related hyponatremia may be more common in elderly female patients and those who are volume-depleted or receiving concomitant diuretic therapy. Caution may be warranted when SSRI therapy is administered in these patients and patients with preexisting hyponatremia or SIADH. Serum electrolytes, especially sodium as well as BUN and plasma creatinine, should be monitored regularly.

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with Hyponatremia.

Treatment with SSRI antidepressants can cause hyponatremia. Caution should be used when treating patients with hyponatremia or at greater risk of hyponatremia such as the elderly, patients taking diuretics or who are volume depleted.

Liver Disease

Moderate:

esketamine

Esketamine has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Esketamine has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C). Use in this population is not recommended. Additionally, the mean esketamine AUC and t1/2 values were higher in patients with moderate hepatic impairment compared to those with normal hepatic function. Patients with moderate hepatic impairment may need to be monitored for adverse reactions for a longer period of time.

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are primarily metabolized by the liver. The plasma concentrations of SSRIs and their metabolites may be increased and the half-lives prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary in accordance with the individual product package labeling.

Malnourishment

Minor:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a minor potential interaction with Malnourishment.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may occasionally cause significant weight loss, which may be undesirable in patients suffering from anorexia, malnutrition or excessive weight loss. Anorexia may occur in approximately 5% to 10% of patients. Weight change should be monitored during therapy if an SSRI is used in these patients.

Mania

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with Mania.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like other antidepressants, may occasionally cause or activate mania or hypomania. The reported incidence ranged from 0.1% to 2% in premarketing testing of several SSRIs. Patients with bipolar disorder are generally more likely to experience mania from antidepressants. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of mania or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating treatment, it is recommended to adequately screen patients for bipolar disorder, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Psychosis

Major:

esketamine

Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Psychosis.

Esketamine can cause dissociative or perceptual changes (including distortion of time, space and illusions), derealization and depersonalization. Patients with psychosis must be carefully assessed before administering esketamine, and treatment should be initiated only if the benefit outweighs the risk. Patients must be monitored by a healthcare provider for at least 2 hours at each treatment session, followed by an assessment to determine when the patient is considered clinically stable and ready to leave the healthcare setting.

Major:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a major potential interaction with Psychosis.

Adult and pediatric patients with depression and other psychiatric disorders may experience worsening of their symptoms and may have the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for worsening of their symptoms, suicidality or changes in their behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment, and at times of dose changes. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the treating physician. Discontinuing the medication should be considered if symptoms are persistently worse, or abrupt in onset. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Citalopram (racemic) and escitalopram (the more pharmacologically active S-enantiomer) are extensively metabolized and only small amounts are excreted unchanged in the urine. No dosage adjustments are necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, as the oral clearance of citalopram has been shown to decrease only modestly (17%) in these patients compared to those with normal renal function. There is no information on the pharmacokinetics of citalopram or escitalopram in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl < 20 mL/min). Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in such patients.

Seizures

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may trigger seizures in approximately 0.2% of patients, and some of them are not recommended in patients with unstable epilepsy. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with seizure disorders.

SIADH

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with SIADH.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has rarely been associated with hyponatremia, sometimes secondary to development of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). These events have generally been reversible following discontinuation of SSRI therapy and/or medical intervention. SSRI-related hyponatremia may be more common in elderly female patients and those who are volume-depleted or receiving concomitant diuretic therapy. Caution may be warranted when SSRI therapy is administered in these patients and patients with preexisting hyponatremia or SIADH. Serum electrolytes, especially sodium as well as BUN and plasma creatinine, should be monitored regularly.

Thrombocytopathy

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with Thrombocytopathy.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been associated with altered platelet function. Petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, increased bleeding times, epistaxis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage have been reported. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis.

Thrombocytopenia

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with Thrombocytopenia.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been associated with altered platelet function. Petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, increased bleeding times, epistaxis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage have been reported. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis.

Vitamin K Deficiency

Moderate:

Lexapro

The escitalopram in Lexapro has a moderate potential interaction with Vitamin K Deficiency.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been associated with altered platelet function. Petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, increased bleeding times, epistaxis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage have been reported. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis.

More resources

esketamine

A total of 302 drugs are known to interact with esketamine.

Lexapro

A total of 736 drugs are known to interact with Lexapro.

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.