Drug interactions
Cariprazine + Safinamide
Severity: Major
Cariprazine and Safinamide: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Cariprazine blocks dopamine D2/D3 receptors and can oppose the dopaminergic benefit of safinamide in Parkinson disease. Motor symptoms may worsen.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cariprazine and Safinamide 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.
Cariprazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Safinamide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism between a dopamine receptor antagonist and a dopamine-enhancing MAO-B inhibitor.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and use an antipsychotic with minimal D2 blockade, such as quetiapine, clozapine or pimavanserin, if one is required. Monitor motor function closely if it cannot be avoided.
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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References
Other interactions of Cariprazine
Other interactions of Safinamide
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Amphetamine polistirex + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cariprazine with Safinamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cariprazine and Safinamide 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. Cariprazine blocks dopamine D2/D3 receptors and can oppose the dopaminergic benefit of safinamide in Parkinson disease. Motor symptoms may worsen.
How serious is the interaction between Cariprazine and Safinamide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible and use an antipsychotic with minimal D2 blockade, such as quetiapine, clozapine or pimavanserin, if one is required. Monitor motor function closely if it cannot be avoided.
What other medicines interact with Cariprazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cariprazine with, for example, Alfentanil, Amisulpride, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Cariprazine page.
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