Can Citalopram and Panafcortelone be taken together?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had mild depression five months back and overweight. Now blood pressure is high. My doctor has prescribed me to take Citalopram 20 mg, Duromine 40 mg and Idaprex 2. Also for the last 10 days, Panafcortelone 5 mg. From what I have read, the first three medications should not be taken together. I am after a second opinion, please.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There is no drug interaction between Phentermine (Duromine) and Perindopril (Idaprex). Duroxime (for weight loss) can increase blood pressure which will be counteracted by Idaprex (for high blood pressure). There is no drug interaction between Citalopram (for depression) and Idaprex.

Citalopram has a serious drug interaction with Duromine. Citalopram may increase the effects of Phentermine, and side effects such as nervousness and anxiety. A rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome can occur that includes symptoms such as hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, and tremor. You should regularly consult with your doctor and do report if any of these symptoms occur.

You have been prescribed Prednisolone (Panafcortelone). This might be for the renal failure. But Prednisolone is known to cause depression, weight gain, and high blood pressure itself. You must get clarified with the consulting doctor about the prescription of Prednisolone (why it has been prescribed). Additionally, consult about changing Perindopril to Fosinopril as Idaprex is primarily eliminated by the kidney and may accumulate in patients with renal impairment.