Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Paroxetine
Severity: Moderate
Amiodarone and Paroxetine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Paroxetine has little direct QT effect, but amiodarone is strongly proarrhythmic and paroxetine inhibits CYP2D6, which may increase exposure to drugs metabolized by it. The combination may modestly raise arrhythmia risk and can enhance bradycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Paroxetine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Weak additive QT effects and paroxetine CYP2D6 inhibition potentially altering amiodarone metabolism.
What to do
Monitor ECG and heart rate when starting or stopping paroxetine. Correct electrolytes and consider an alternative SSRI if QTc increases.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Other interactions of Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amiodarone and Paroxetine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Paroxetine has little direct QT effect, but amiodarone is strongly proarrhythmic and paroxetine inhibits CYP2D6, which may increase exposure to drugs metabolized by it. The combination may modestly raise arrhythmia risk and can enhance bradycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor ECG and heart rate when starting or stopping paroxetine. Correct electrolytes and consider an alternative SSRI if QTc increases.
What other medicines interact with Amiodarone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amiodarone with, for example, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Amiodarone page.
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