Drug interactions
Aripiprazole + Olanzapine
Severity: Moderate
Aripiprazole and Olanzapine: 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
Using two antipsychotics together adds up dopamine-blocking and sedative effects, raising the chance of extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation, metabolic effects and rarely neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Aripiprazole is sometimes added deliberately to offset olanzapine weight gain, but the combination still needs surveillance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aripiprazole and Olanzapine 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.
Aripiprazole belongs to Central Nervous System; Olanzapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive dopamine D2 receptor antagonism or partial agonism, and additive sedative and antihistaminic effects.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for movement disorders, sedation, and metabolic parameters. Review the ongoing need for dual antipsychotic therapy regularly.
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 Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Aripiprazole + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Aripiprazole Major
- Aripiprazole + Arsenic trioxide Major
- Aripiprazole + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Major
- Aripiprazole + Carbamazepine Major
Other interactions of Olanzapine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aripiprazole with Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Aripiprazole and Olanzapine 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. Using two antipsychotics together adds up dopamine-blocking and sedative effects, raising the chance of extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation, metabolic effects and rarely neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Aripiprazole is sometimes added deliberately to offset olanzapine weight gain, but the combination still needs surveillance.
How serious is the interaction between Aripiprazole and Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for movement disorders, sedation, and metabolic parameters. Review the ongoing need for dual antipsychotic therapy regularly.
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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