Drug & supplement interaction

Capsicum + Escitalopram

Escitalopram brand name: Lexapro.

No Known Interaction

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Updated July 2026 · Pair last verified Sep 13, 2026

The bottom line No known interaction

We found no known interaction between Capsicum and Escitalopram in our sources. Absence of a documented interaction is not the same as proven safety, and does not guarantee one does not exist. Do not start, stop, or change a medication or supplement based on this page; confirm with your pharmacist or doctor first. Additionally, although there is no interaction, the two are separately associated with some of the same side effects, which would make a new symptom harder to attribute to one or the other.

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Interaction report

Capsicum and Escitalopram

We checked these two against our interaction database. Here is what we found.

No Known Interaction Found

We did not find a documented interaction between Escitalopram and Capsicum in our sources. This does not guarantee that the combination is completely free of risk — there is often limited research on supplements and herbal products, especially around drug interactions.

If you decide to take both, the practical routine is simple: add one new thing at a time and note the date you started it. If the combination is going to disagree with you, it usually shows in the first days to a couple of weeks — and a start date turns “I’ve been feeling off” into something a pharmacist can actually work with. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.

Always talk with your pharmacist or doctor before making changes to your medications or supplements, particularly if you take several medications or have an ongoing health condition.

Capsicum safety at a glance

Capsicum overall Use caution Generally considered safe as food and in approved topical products, but it commonly causes burning and irritation.

Pregnancy Likely Safe When used topically and appropriately. Read the full pregnancy detail

Breastfeeding Likely Safe When used topically and appropriately. Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — the full detail is in the Special populations card below. Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Still wondering about combining Escitalopram and Capsicum? Ask Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS directly ›

How we checked

Why No Interaction Is Listed for Escitalopram

Interactions in our licensed database are recorded against drug classes, not just single drug names. Escitalopram is filed under 7 classifications — including antidepressant drugs, cytochrome p450 2c19 (cyp2c19) inhibitors, cytochrome p450 1a2 (cyp1a2) inhibitors. Capsicum has documented interactions with 6 drug classes — the most serious being anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs (moderate), antidiabetes drugs (moderate) and aspirin (moderate) — and none of Escitalopram’s classifications are among them.

Classification data comes from our licensed Natural Medicines dataset. A medication can belong to classes beyond those recorded there, so this describes how the check was run — it is not a safety guarantee.

Keep it in perspective

Capsicum Does Interact With Other Medications

Capsicum has 215 moderate, 24 minor known drug interactions in our database — Escitalopram isn’t one of them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Moderate 215 Minor 24 No known interaction 2,591 (incl. Escitalopram)

Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Capsicum

Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Capsicum. Pick one to open its full report.

What to actually watch for

No Interaction Found — But Data Suggests Capsicum and Escitalopram May Share Several of the Same Side Effects

This is not an interaction. Neither one changes how your body handles the other, and nothing here says they react together. What our sources do show is that each has separately been linked to the effects below — so taking both can make those effects more likely to turn up, and harder to pin on one or the other if they do.

A stuffy or runny nose Additional detail
Capsicum
“Orally, difficulty breathing was reported in a clinical trial.

Topically, nasopharyngitis related to the use of a cream containing capsaicin has been reported.

Inhalation of capsicum and exposure to capsicum oleoresin spray can cause cough, dyspnea, pain in the nasal passages, sneezing, rhinitis, and nasal congestion.”

Capsicum · Natural Medicines adverse-effect record, reported in cough.
6 sources cited

105196. Joseph MSc A, John PhD F, Thomas MSc JV, Sivadasan SDP, Maliakel PhD B, Mohan PhD R, I M K. Influence of a novel food-grade formulation of red chili extract (Capsicum annum) on overweight subjects: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. J D

105202. Predel HG, Ebel-Bitoun C, Peil B, Weiser TW, Lange R. Efficacy and safety of diclofenac?+?capsaicin gel in patients with acute back/neck pain: A multicenter randomized controlled study. Pain Ther. 2020;9(1):279-296. PubMed

5885. Millqvist E. Cough provocation with capsaicin is an objective way to test sensory hyperreactivity in patients with asthma-like symptoms. Allergy 2000;55:546-50. DOI

15016. Marabini S, Ciabatti PG, Polli G, et al. Beneficial effects of intranasal applications of capsaicin in patients with vasomotor rhinitis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 1991;248:191-4. PubMed

40522. de Jong, N. W., van der Steen, J. J., Smeekens, C. C., Blacquiere, T., Mulder, P. G., van Wijk, R. G., and de Groot, H. Honeybee interference as a novel aid to reduce pollen exposure and nasal symptoms among greenhouse workers allergic to sweet bell pepp

40546. Final report on the safety assessment of capsicum annuum extract, capsicum annuum fruit extract, capsicum annuum resin, capsicum annuum fruit powder, capsicum frutescens fruit, capsicum frutescens fruit extract, capsicum frutescens resin, and capsaicin.
Escitalopram

Listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of the FDA label for Escitalopram. Read the label on DailyMed ›
Sweating Additional detail
Capsicum
“Orally, capsicum can cause sweating and flushing of the head and neck, lacrimation, headache, faintness, and rhinorrhea. Topically, applying capsaicin can cause headache. Injection of capsaicin into the intermetatarsal space has also been associated with headache.”

Capsicum · Natural Medicines adverse-effect record, reported in cluster headache.
6 sources cited

7005. Locock RA. Capsicum. Can Pharm J 1985;118:517-9.

12410. Bortolotti M, Coccia G, Grossi G, Miglioli M. The treatment of functional dyspepsia with red pepper. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2002;16:1075-82. PubMed

105196. Joseph MSc A, John PhD F, Thomas MSc JV, Sivadasan SDP, Maliakel PhD B, Mohan PhD R, I M K. Influence of a novel food-grade formulation of red chili extract (Capsicum annum) on overweight subjects: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. J D

105203. Umigai N, Kozai Y, Saito T, Takara T. Effects of paprika carotenoid supplementation on bone turnover in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison study. Food Nutr Res. 2020;64. PubMed

96450. Van Nooten F, Treur M, Pantiri K, Stoker M, Charokopou M. Capsaicin 8% patch versus oral neuropathic pain medications for the treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a systematic literature review and network meta-analysis. Clin Ther. 2017 Ap PubMed

105202. Predel HG, Ebel-Bitoun C, Peil B, Weiser TW, Lange R. Efficacy and safety of diclofenac?+?capsaicin gel in patients with acute back/neck pain: A multicenter randomized controlled study. Pain Ther. 2020;9(1):279-296. PubMed
Escitalopram

Listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of the FDA label for Escitalopram. Read the label on DailyMed ›
Stomach upset / Constipation / Diarrhea / Nausea reported in 6.8% of FDA reports for Escitalopram Additional detail
Capsicum
“Orally, capsicum can cause upper abdominal discomfort, including irritation, fullness, dyspepsia, gas, bloating, nausea, epigastric pain and burning, anal burning, diarrhea, mild constipation, and belching.”

Capsicum · Natural Medicines adverse-effect record, reported in cancer.
6 sources cited

12403. Schmulson MJ, Valdovinos MA, Milke P. Chili pepper and rectal hyperalgesia in irritable bowel syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol 2003;98:1214-5. PubMed

12410. Bortolotti M, Coccia G, Grossi G, Miglioli M. The treatment of functional dyspepsia with red pepper. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2002;16:1075-82. PubMed

40338. Rodriguez-Stanley, S., Collings, K. L., Robinson, M., Owen, W., and Miner, P. B., Jr. The effects of capsaicin on reflux, gastric emptying and dyspepsia. Aliment.Pharmacol.Ther. 2000;14(1):129-134. PubMed

40427. Fett, D. D. Botanical briefs: Capsicum peppers. Cutis 2003;72(1):21-23.

40456. Petruzzi, M., Lauritano, D., De Benedittis, M., Baldoni, M., and Serpico, R. Systemic capsaicin for burning mouth syndrome: short-term results of a pilot study. J.Oral Pathol.Med. 2004;33(2):111-114. PubMed

40503. Milke, P., Diaz, A., Valdovinos, M. A., and Moran, S. Gastroesophageal reflux in healthy subjects induced by two different species of chilli (Capsicum annum). Dig.Dis. 2006;24(1-2):184-188.
Escitalopram

Listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of the FDA label for Escitalopram, and in voluntary FDA adverse-event reports. Read the label on DailyMed ›
Vomiting Additional detail

Capsicum

Recorded for Capsicum in the same Natural Medicines adverse-effect record shown under Stomach upset / Constipation / Diarrhea / Nausea above.

Escitalopram

Listed in the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of the FDA label for Escitalopram. Read the label on DailyMed ›

Reported for Capsicum but not commonly for Escitalopram: a heart attack, shortness of breath, raised blood pressure and liver problems.

Effects for Escitalopram come from the ADVERSE REACTIONS section of its FDA label; effects for Capsicum come from the Natural Medicines adverse-effect record, quoted above. Where a percentage is shown, it is the share of 139,512 voluntary FDA FAERS reports for Escitalopram that mention that effect — a reporting proportion, not an incidence rate and not evidence the drug caused it. Wording is matched across sources by our own clinical vocabulary, so treat this as a prompt to pay attention, not a diagnosis.

Special populations

Capsicum in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy Likely Safe

When used topically and appropriately.

Pregnancy Possibly Safe

When used orally and appropriately, short-term. Capsicum 5 mg daily has been used for up to 28 days during the latter half of the second trimester and the third trimester.

Lactation Likely Safe

When used topically and appropriately.

Lactation Possibly Unsafe

When used orally. Dermatitis can sometimes occur in infants when foods heavily spiced with capsicum peppers are ingested during lactation. Also, observational research suggests that intake of raw capsicum peppers during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of sensitization to inhalant allergens in children by the age of 2 years.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

From our Q&A

Questions About Capsicum or Escitalopram

These are real questions from readers, answered by the pharmacists at HelloPharmacist — written by a person, not generated from a database. Each one covers Capsicum or Escitalopram, not necessarily both, but if one is close to what you were about to ask it will usually go further than a database entry can:

Not quite your question? Ask our pharmacists directly — it is free, there is no account required, and answers usually come back within 24 hours.

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Escitalopram

This page covers Capsicum only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Escitalopram page lists 55 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.

The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Lithium (major), 5-htp (moderate), Acetyl-l-carnitine (moderate) and Ayahuasca (moderate).

By severity: 2 major · 38 moderate · 15 minor.

Open the Escitalopram interaction page

One more smart check

Taking Capsicum as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions

We hold 4,130 real supplement products containing Capsicum, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Capsicum. Even though Capsicum itself has no known interaction with Escitalopram, another ingredient on your label might. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:

How much people look this up

Where Capsicum and Escitalopram Sit Against Everything Else

Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.

Supplement Capsicum

Top 5%

#50 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today

Medication Escitalopram

Top 1%

#13 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today

Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.

Where does our data come from?

Source: the Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) clinical database — the evidence-graded professional reference for herb & supplement interactions.
Citation library: 103,510 references behind our interaction content, 65,311 of them resolved to verified PubMed/DOI sources. See every Capsicum reference on this page ↓
Freshness: we automatically re-check this combination every week — this pair was last verified September 13, 2026. The Capsicum and Escitalopram records this page draws on were last updated July 11, 2026.
What “no known interaction” means: no documented interaction in the sources above — not a guarantee of safety. Supplements are studied far less than prescription drugs, so we say exactly what the evidence supports, and nothing more.

Data structure & sourcing designed and verified by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS.

Supplement

About Capsicum

What is Capsicum?

Nerve pain (neuropathy)
Muscle and joint pain (arthritis)
Back pain
Digestive support
Cluster headache (intranasal)

Capsicum (chili pepper) contains capsaicin, which is best known and best studied as a topical treatment for certain types of pain. Topical capsaicin products are supported by reasonable evidence for some nerve and joint pain, but oral supplements are far less proven. Use it carefully, follow product directions, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting.

Capsicum annuum · Solanaceae · Fruit (pepper), often as a topical extract · Topical creams, gels, and patches; oral capsules; dried powder (cayenne); tinctures

An interaction check asks whether these two react with each other — it does not ask whether Capsicum is a good idea for someone in your situation. Here is what our Capsicum record says about it on its own.

Capsicum: dosing

There is no single standard dose of capsicum that fits everyone. Topical products come in different strengths, and high-concentration patches are usually applied by a healthcare professional.

From our Capsicum monograph — the full record covers uses, side effects and every documented interaction.

Read the full Capsicum monograph & all interactions

Medication

About Escitalopram

What Is Escitalopram Used For?

Brand name: Lexapro

Escitalopram treats major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and in adolescents 12 years of age and older. It also treats generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults.

Lexapro (escitalopram) tablets are additionally approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder in pediatric patients 7 years of age and older. Escitalopram Capsules are indicated for MDD and GAD in adults younger than 65 years of age, and for MDD in pediatric patients 12 years and older — the capsule form is not indicated for patients 65 and older.

Most-Reported Side Effects for Escitalopram

From FAERS, the FDA’s public side-effect reporting system (139,512 reports, all brands). Reports are voluntary and are not proof the drug caused the effect.

Fatigue 9,542 reports

Nausea 9,514 reports

Headache 7,397 reports

Diarrhea 7,045 reports

Anxiety 6,668 reports

See full Escitalopram drug information

Keep checking

Other Drugs & Capsicum

Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Capsicum — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.

0Major

215Moderate

24Minor

2,590No known interaction

215 Moderate 24 Minor 2,590 No interaction

Moderate

215 interactions

Showing 60 of 215 moderate interactions — see all 215 on the Capsicum page.

Minor

24 interactions

No interaction 2,590 drugs checked — show the list

We also checked Capsicum against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.

Showing the 60 most looked-up of 2,590 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Capsicum list.

See the full Capsicum interactions page

See every supplement checked against Escitalopram, ranked by severity

Evidence & sources

Capsicum References

The 89 references that drive our Capsicum monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
Cooper RL, Cooper MM. Red pepper-induced dermatitis in breast-fed infants. Dermatol 1996;93:61-2. PubMed
Millqvist E. Cough provocation with capsaicin is an objective way to test sensory hyperreactivity in patients with asthma-like symptoms. Allergy 2000;55:546-50. DOI
Locock RA. Capsicum. Can Pharm J 1985;118:517-9.
Mason L, Moore RA, Derry S, et al. Systematic review of topical capsaicin for the treatment of chronic pain. BMJ 2004;328:991. PubMed
Schmulson MJ, Valdovinos MA, Milke P. Chili pepper and rectal hyperalgesia in irritable bowel syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol 2003;98:1214-5. PubMed
Surh YJ, Lee SS. Capsaicin in hot chili pepper: carcinogen, co-carcinogen or anticarcinogen? Food Chem Toxicol 1996;34:313-6. PubMed
Bouraoui A, Brazier JL, Zouaghi H, Rousseau M. Theophylline pharmacokinetics and metabolism in rabbits following single and repeated administration of Capsicum fruit. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 1995;20:173-8.
Hogaboam CM, Wallace JL. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by capsaicin. An effect unrelated to actions on sensory afferent neurons. Eur J Pharmacol 1991;202:129-31. PubMed
Wang JP, Hsu MF, Teng CM. Antiplatelet effect of capsaicin. Thromb Res 1984;36:497-507. PubMed
Williams SR, Clark RF, Dunford JV. Contact dermatitis associated with capsaicin: Hunan hand syndrome. Ann Emerg Med 1995;25:713-5. PubMed
Zollman TM, Bragg RM, Harrison DA. Clinical effects of oleoresin capsicum (pepper spray) on the human cornea and conjunctiva. Ophthalmology 2000;107:2186-9. PubMed
Bortolotti M, Coccia G, Grossi G, Miglioli M. The treatment of functional dyspepsia with red pepper. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2002;16:1075-82. PubMed
Hakas JF Jr. Topical capsaicin induces cough in patient receiving ACE inhibitor. Ann Allergy 1990;65:322-3.
Rapoport AM, Bigal ME, Tepper SJ, Sheftell FD. Intranasal medications for the treatment of migraine and cluster headache. CNS Drugs 2004;18:671-85. PubMed
Stjarne P, Rinder J, Heden-Blomquist E, et al. Capsaicin desensitization of the nasal mucosa reduces symptoms upon allergen challenge in patients with allergic rhinitis. Acta Otolaryngol 1998;118:235-9. PubMed
Levy RL. Intranasal capsaicin for acute abortive treatment of migraine without aura. Headache 1995;35:277.
Fusco BM, Marabini S, Maggi CA, et al. Preventative effect of repeated nasal applications of capsaicin in cluster headache. Pain 1994;59:321-5. PubMed
Sicuteri F, Fusco BM, Marabini S, et al. Beneficial effect of capsaicin application to the nasal mucosa in cluster headache. Clin J Pain 1989;5:49-53. PubMed
Marabini S, Ciabatti PG, Polli G, et al. Beneficial effects of intranasal applications of capsaicin in patients with vasomotor rhinitis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 1991;248:191-4. PubMed
Frerick H, Keitel W, Kuhn U, et al. Topical treatment of chronic low back pain with a capsicum plaster. Pain 2003;106:59-64. PubMed
Keitel W, Frerick H, Kuhn U, et al. Capsicum pain plaster in chronic non-specific low back pain. Arzneimittelforschung 2001;51:896-903. PubMed
Shalansky S, Lynd L, Richardson K, et al. Risk of warfarin-related bleeding events and supratherapeutic international normalized ratios associated with complementary and alternative medicine: a longitudinal analysis. Pharmacotherapy. 2007;27:1237-47. PubMed
Sumano-López H, Gutiérrez-Olvera L, Aguilera-Jiménez R, et al. Administration of ciprofloxacin and capsaicin in rats to achieve higher maximal serum concentrations. Arzneimittelforschung. 2007;57(5):286-90. PubMed
Wanwimolruk S, Nyika S, Kepple M, et al. Effects of capsaicin on the pharmacokinetics of antipyrine, theophylline and quinine in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1993;45(7):618-21. PubMed
Cruz L, Castañeda-Hernández G, Navarrete A. Ingestion of chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum) reduces salicylate bioavailability after oral asprin administration in the rat. Can J Physiol Pharmacol.
Rodriguez-Stanley, S., Collings, K. L., Robinson, M., Owen, W., and Miner, P. B., Jr. The effects of capsaicin on reflux, gastric emptying and dyspepsia. Aliment.Pharmacol.Ther. 2000;14(1):129-134. PubMed
Brown, L., Takeuchi, D., and Challoner, K. Corneal abrasions associated with pepper spray exposure. Am.J.Emerg.Med. 2000;18(3):271-272. PubMed
Vesaluoma, M., Muller, L., Gallar, J., Lambiase, A., Moilanen, J., Hack, T., Belmonte, C., and Tervo, T. Effects of oleoresin capsicum pepper spray on human corneal morphology and sensitivity. Invest Ophthalmol.Vis.Sci. 2000;41(8):2138-2147.
Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., and van Haselen, R. A. The efficacy and safety of a homeopathic gel in the treatment of acute low back pain: a multi-centre, randomised, double-blind comparative clinical trial. Br Homeopath J 2001;90(1):21-28. PubMed
Olajos, E. J. and Salem, H. Riot control agents: pharmacology, toxicology, biochemistry and chemistry. J.Appl.Toxicol. 2001;21(5):355-391. PubMed
Fett, D. D. Botanical briefs: Capsicum peppers. Cutis 2003;72(1):21-23.
McCarthy, G. M. and McCarty, D. J. Effect of topical capsaicin in the therapy of painful osteoarthritis of the hands. J.Rheumatol. 1992;19(4):604-607.
Chaiyata, P., Puttadechakum, S., and Komindr, S. Effect of chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) ingestion on plasma glucose response and metabolic rate in Thai women. J.Med.Assoc.Thai. 2003;86(9):854-860.
Petruzzi, M., Lauritano, D., De Benedittis, M., Baldoni, M., and Serpico, R. Systemic capsaicin for burning mouth syndrome: short-term results of a pilot study. J.Oral Pathol.Med. 2004;33(2):111-114. PubMed
Misra, M. N., Pullani, A. J., and Mohamed, Z. U. Prevention of PONV by acustimulation with capsicum plaster is comparable to ondansetron after middle ear surgery: [La prevention des NVPO par acustimulation avec un emplatre de Capsicum est comparable a ce PubMed
Milke, P., Diaz, A., Valdovinos, M. A., and Moran, S. Gastroesophageal reflux in healthy subjects induced by two different species of chilli (Capsicum annum). Dig.Dis. 2006;24(1-2):184-188.
de Jong, N. W., van der Steen, J. J., Smeekens, C. C., Blacquiere, T., Mulder, P. G., van Wijk, R. G., and de Groot, H. Honeybee interference as a novel aid to reduce pollen exposure and nasal symptoms among greenhouse workers allergic to sweet bell pepp
Final report on the safety assessment of capsicum annuum extract, capsicum annuum fruit extract, capsicum annuum resin, capsicum annuum fruit powder, capsicum frutescens fruit, capsicum frutescens fruit extract, capsicum frutescens resin, and capsaicin.
Tandan, R., Lewis, G. A., Krusinski, P. B., Badger, G. B., and Fries, T. J. Topical capsaicin in painful diabetic neuropathy. Controlled study with long-term follow-up. Diabetes Care 1992;15(1):8-14. PubMed
Gupta, P. J. Red hot chilli consumption is harmful in patients operated for anal fissure - a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Dig.Surg. 2007;24(5):354-357. PubMed
Patane, S., Marte, F., Di Bella, G., Cerrito, M., and Coglitore, S. Capsaicin, arterial hypertensive crisis and acute myocardial infarction associated with high levels of thyroid stimulating hormone. Int.J Cardiol. 5-1-2009;134(1):130-132. PubMed
Gupta, P. J. Consumption of red-hot chili pepper increases symptoms in patients with acute anal fissures. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, crossover trial. Arq Gastroenterol. 2008;45(2):124-127. PubMed
Gupta, P. J. Consumption of red-hot chili pepper increases symptoms in patients with acute anal fissures. Ann.Ital.Chir 2008;79(5):347-351.
Patane, S., Marte, F., La Rosa, F. C., and La, Rocca R. Capsaicin and arterial hypertensive crisis. Int J Cardiol. 10-8-2010;144(2):e26-e27. PubMed
Chaiyasit, K., Khovidhunkit, W., and Wittayalertpanya, S. Pharmacokinetic and the effect of capsaicin in Capsicum frutescens on decreasing plasma glucose level. J Med.Assoc.Thai. 2009;92(1):108-113.
Blanc, P., Liu, D., Juarez, C., and Boushey, H. A. Cough in hot pepper workers. Chest 1991;99(1):27-32. PubMed
Akcay, A. B., Ozcan, T., Seyis, S., and Acele, A. Coronary vasospasm and acute myocardial infarction induced by a topical capsaicin patch. Turk.Kardiyol.Dern.Ars 2009;37(7):497-500.
van Boxel, O. S., ter Linde, J. J., Siersema, P. D., and Smout, A. J. Role of chemical stimulation of the duodenum in dyspeptic symptom generation. Am J Gastroenterol. 2010;105(4):803-811. PubMed
Niemcunowicz-Janica, A., Ptaszynska-Sarosiek, I., and Wardaszka, Z. [Sudden death caused by an oleoresin capsicum spray]. Arch.Med.Sadowej.Kryminol. 2009;59(3):252-254.
Reuter, J., Merfort, I., and Schempp, C. M. Botanicals in dermatology: an evidence-based review. Am J Clin Dermatol 2010;11(4):247-267. PubMed
McCormack, P. L. Capsaicin dermal patch: in non-diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Drugs 10-1-2010;70(14):1831-1842. PubMed
Bortolotti, M. and Porta, S. Effect of red pepper on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: preliminary study. Dig.Dis.Sci 2011;56(11):3288-3295. PubMed
Webster, L. R., Peppin, J. F., Murphy, F. T., Lu, B., Tobias, J. K., and Vanhove, G. F. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of NGX-4010, capsaicin 8% patch, in an open-label study of patients with peripheral neuropathic pain. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2011 PubMed
Gerber, S., Frueh, B. E., and Tappeiner, C. Conjunctival proliferation after a mild pepper spray injury in a young child. Cornea 2011;30(9):1042-1044. PubMed
Lim, L. G., Tay, H., and Ho, K. Y. Curry induces acid reflux and symptoms in gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dig.Dis.Sci 2011;56(12):3546-3550. PubMed
Ludy, M. J., Moore, G. E., and Mattes, R. D. The effects of capsaicin and capsiate on energy balance: critical review and meta-analyses of studies in humans. Chem Senses 2012;37(2):103-121. PubMed
Sayin, M. R., Karabag, T., Dogan, S. M., Akpinar, I., and Aydin, M. A case of acute myocardial infarction due to the use of cayenne pepper pills. Wien.Klin.Wochenschr. 2012;124(7-8):285-287. PubMed
Bley, K., Boorman, G., Mohammad, B., McKenzie, D., and Babbar, S. A comprehensive review of the carcinogenic and anticarcinogenic potential of capsaicin. Toxicol.Pathol. 2012;40(6):847-873. PubMed
Derry, S. and Moore, R. A. Topical capsaicin (low concentration) for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2012;9:CD010111. PubMed
Tominack, R. L. and Spyker, D. A. Capsicum and capsaicin--a review: case report of the use of hot peppers in child abuse. J.Toxicol.Clin.Toxicol. 1987;25(7):591-601. PubMed
Schuurs, A. H., Abraham-Inpijn, L., van Straalen, J. P., and Sastrowijoto, S. H. An unusual case of black teeth. Oral Surg.Oral Med.Oral Pathol. 1987;64(4):427-431. PubMed
Kumar, N., Vij, J. C., Sarin, S. K., and Anand, B. S. Do chillies influence healing of duodenal ulcer? Br.Med.J.(Clin.Res.Ed) 6-16-1984;288(6433):1803-1804. PubMed
Steffee, C. H., Lantz, P. E., Flannagan, L. M., Thompson, R. L., and Jason, D. R. Oleoresin capsicum (pepper) spray and "in-custody deaths". Am.J.Forensic Med.Pathol. 1995;16(3):185-192. PubMed
Knight, T. E. and Hayashi, T. Solar (brachioradial) pruritus--response to capsaicin cream. Int.J.Dermatol. 1994;33(3):206-209. DOI
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Sausenthaler, S., Koletzko, S., Schaaf, B., Lehmann, I., Borte, M., Herbarth, O., von Berg, A., Wichmann, H. E., and Heinrich, J. Maternal diet during pregnancy in relation to eczema and allergic sensitization in the offspring at 2 y of age. Am J Clin Nu PubMed
Bleuel I, Zinkernagel M, Tschopp M, Tappeiner C. Association of bilateral acute anterior uveitis with a capsaicin patch. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2013;21(5):394-5. PubMed
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Medication overviews come from MedlinePlus (NIH); supplement label data from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

Related: nutrient depletion

Escitalopram Is Linked to Lower Levels of One Nutrient

Natural Medicines records Escitalopram as a medicine that can lower these. This is not an interaction with Capsicum — it is a separate effect of the medicine, and it is a reason some people are advised to supplement rather than to avoid one:

SODIUM›

Read the full Escitalopram nutrient depletion report ›

Depletion records come from the licensed Natural Medicines database. Do not start a supplement on the strength of this page — ask your pharmacist or doctor whether it applies to you.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Taking Capsicum and Escitalopram Together: Common Questions

Is it safe to take Capsicum with Escitalopram?

We do not list a known interaction between Capsicum and Escitalopram. That does not guarantee the combination is risk-free, so confirm with your pharmacist or doctor — especially if you take other medications or have a health condition.

Do Capsicum and Escitalopram have any of the same side effects?

Yes — our sources link each of them separately to 7 of the same effects. That is not an interaction: neither changes how your body handles the other. It does mean that if one of those effects turns up, it can be harder to tell which one is behind it. They are listed on this page with the source behind each.

How was the Capsicum and Escitalopram combination checked?

Interactions in our licensed database are recorded against drug classes. Escitalopram is filed under 7 classifications, and Capsicum has documented interactions with 6 drug classes — none of Escitalopram's classifications are among them. A medication can belong to classes beyond those recorded in our dataset, so this describes how the check was run rather than guaranteeing safety.

Does Capsicum interact with any other medications?

Yes. Capsicum has 239 documented drug interactions in our database — Escitalopram is simply not one of them. If you take anything else, it is worth checking each one; they are all listed on this page.

Does Escitalopram interact with any supplements?

Yes. Escitalopram has documented interactions with 55 supplements in our database — Capsicum is not one of them. The Escitalopram interaction page linked on this page lists every one, ranked by severity.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Capsicum monograph Uses, safety profile, and every drug interaction in one place Escitalopram drug information The full plain-English guide to this medication Escitalopram supplement interactions Every supplement checked against Escitalopram, ranked by severity Supplement interaction checker Check any supplement or product against your medications Browse medications A–Z Every drug we’ve checked against herbs & supplements References The 89 citations behind this page Ask a pharmacist Free, personal answer from our licensed team

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This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.