Escitalopram is a medication classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. Escitalopram is the S-enantiomer of the racemic mixture citalopram, meaning it is the active component responsible for citalopram's therapeutic effects. The medication is available by prescription only and comes in oral tablet and solution forms. It is known by various brand names, most notably Lexapro. (FDA label, DrugBank)
Deep dive
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Known interactions
Category rule: supplement × medication
Note
Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.
Category rule: vitamin × medication
Note
Certain vitamins interact with specific medications (e.g., vitamin K with blood thinners).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed source; confirm with your provider.
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
5-HTP raises serotonin and layered onto an SSRI/SNRI risks serotonin syndrome.
Avoid combining 5-HTP with prescription serotonergic antidepressants.
Compound-pair rule
Caution
Additional serotonin precursor with an SSRI/SNRI can push serotonin too high.
Do not combine without a prescribing clinician's guidance.
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
St John's Wort has serotonergic activity and induces CYP3A4, altering SSRI levels.
Avoid combining.
Frequently asked
Sources referenced
["U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) label for Lexapro (escitalopram)", "National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)", "MedlinePlus - National Library of Medicine", "PubChem - National Library of Medicine", "Mayo Clinic", "Cochrane Library", "DrugBank"]
Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.
Related compounds
Others in the medication category or studied for the same goals.
