Mental health · FAQ
What can interact with Anxiety & depression medication?
Short answer
Sertraline and escitalopram for Anxiety & depression can interact with other medicines, supplements, and alcohol. Give your physician and pharmacist a complete list before starting. Important risks include other drugs that raise serotonin, blood thinners, and certain heart rhythm medicines. Do not add or stop another treatment without checking first.
Before starting sertraline or escitalopram, share every prescription medicine, over-the-counter drug, vitamin, and supplement you take. Include medicines used only now and then. Your prescribing physician and pharmacist need this list to check for unsafe combinations.
Other medicines that raise serotonin can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Examples include other antidepressants, tramadol, some migraine medicines, lithium, dextromethorphan in cough products, and St. John’s wort. MAO inhibitors must not be combined with these medicines, and a waiting period is needed when switching. Linezolid and intravenous methylene blue also need special review.
Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and blood thinners can increase bleeding risk. Some medicines that affect heart rhythm can also be a concern, especially with escitalopram. Alcohol can worsen sleepiness, judgment, and mood symptoms, so discuss alcohol use with your physician. Do not assume a nonprescription or herbal product is safe. Ask before starting anything new, and do not stop another prescribed treatment on your own.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.