Is It Safe To Take Wellbutrin,Citalopram And Cymbalta Together?

Posted on Sat, 25 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 25 Jan 2014 Answered on

Sat, 15 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am currently taking Wellbutrin and citalopram. Is it safe to add cymbalta with these.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Cymbalta SHOULD NOT be taken with Citalopram Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for your query. Both drugs- Citalopram and Cymbalta- have similar mechanism of action and also belong to the same group (SSRI- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Both drugs, if taken together, can cause serious side effects, collectively called 'Serotonin Syndrome' - a life-threatening condition and may include • agitation, hallucinations, coma or other changes in mental status • coordination problems or muscle twitching • racing heartbeat, high or low blood pressure • sweating or fever • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea • muscle stiffness Hence, please ensure that you do NOT take both medicines, or rather, ANY drug belonging to SSRI or SSNRI group, along with Citalopram. Hope I have addressed to your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any. Fond regards and have a nice day, Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar