From the FDA Drug Label
Patients should be advised to inform their physician if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, as there is a potential for interactions Escitalopram tablets and some medicines may interact with each other, may not work as well, or may cause serious side effects Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can tell you if it is safe to take Escitalopram tablets with your other medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine while taking Escitalopram tablets without talking to your healthcare provider first
The FDA drug label does not explicitly mention interactions with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, it does mention that Escitalopram tablets and some medicines may interact with each other, and advises patients to inform their physician about all prescription or over-the-counter drugs they are taking. Key points to consider:
- The label warns about potential interactions with other medications, but does not specifically mention AEDs.
- Patients should consult their healthcare provider before taking any other medications with Escitalopram tablets.
- The healthcare provider or pharmacist can provide guidance on safe medication use 1 1.
From the Research
Interaction between Lexapro (Escitalopram) and Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs)
- The provided studies do not directly investigate the interaction between Lexapro (escitalopram) and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, some studies mention escitalopram as an antidepressant with a low potential for altering AED metabolism 2.
- A study on citalopram, which is a related drug to escitalopram, found that it did not significantly affect plasma AED concentrations in patients with epilepsy 3.
- Other studies discuss the potential interactions between AEDs and other drugs, including antidepressants, but do not specifically mention escitalopram 4, 5, 6.
- It is noted that newer AEDs and certain antidepressants, such as escitalopram, have a lower potential for drug interactions compared to older AEDs and other antidepressants 2, 6.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions
- Pharmacokinetic interactions involve changes in absorption, distribution, or elimination of drugs, while pharmacodynamic interactions involve synergism and antagonism at the site of action 4, 5.
- Enzyme induction and inhibition are important mechanisms of pharmacokinetic interactions, and can affect the efficacy and toxicity of AEDs and other drugs 4, 5, 2.
- The potential for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions should be considered when administering AEDs and other drugs, including antidepressants like escitalopram, to ensure efficacy and prevent complications 6.