Drug interactions
Aripiprazole + Paroxetine
Severity: Moderate
Aripiprazole 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 strongly inhibits CYP2D6, the main enzyme clearing aripiprazole, leading to higher aripiprazole exposure. This can increase akathisia, sedation, and other dose-related adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aripiprazole 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.
Aripiprazole belongs to Central Nervous System; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition by paroxetine reducing aripiprazole metabolism.
What to do
Reduce the aripiprazole dose to about half the usual dose when adding paroxetine, per labeling, and monitor for akathisia and sedation. Return to the original dose if paroxetine is stopped.
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 Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aripiprazole with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Aripiprazole 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 strongly inhibits CYP2D6, the main enzyme clearing aripiprazole, leading to higher aripiprazole exposure. This can increase akathisia, sedation, and other dose-related adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Aripiprazole 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: Reduce the aripiprazole dose to about half the usual dose when adding paroxetine, per labeling, and monitor for akathisia and sedation. Return to the original dose if paroxetine is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Paroxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paroxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Paroxetine page.
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