Drug interactions
Aripiprazole + Carbamazepine
Severity: Major
Aripiprazole and Carbamazepine: major 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
Carbamazepine markedly lowers aripiprazole concentrations by enzyme induction, which may cause relapse of psychiatric symptoms.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aripiprazole and Carbamazepine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Aripiprazole belongs to Central Nervous System; Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 by carbamazepine increases aripiprazole clearance.
What to do
Double the aripiprazole dose when carbamazepine is added and monitor response. Reduce it back when carbamazepine is stopped.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Aripiprazole + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Aripiprazole Major
- Aripiprazole + Arsenic trioxide Major
- Aripiprazole + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Major
- Aripiprazole + Cisapride Major
Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aripiprazole with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Aripiprazole and Carbamazepine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Carbamazepine markedly lowers aripiprazole concentrations by enzyme induction, which may cause relapse of psychiatric symptoms.
How serious is the interaction between Aripiprazole and Carbamazepine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Double the aripiprazole dose when carbamazepine is added and monitor response. Reduce it back when carbamazepine is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Aripiprazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Aripiprazole with, for example, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Aripiprazole page.
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