Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Paroxetine
Severity: Moderate
Chlorpromazine 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
Chlorpromazine is partly metabolized by CYP2D6, which paroxetine strongly inhibits, so chlorpromazine concentrations may rise. Chlorpromazine is also sedating, anticholinergic, hypotensive, and QT-prolonging, so higher exposure raises these risks.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine 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.
Chlorpromazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition by paroxetine decreasing chlorpromazine clearance; chlorpromazine may also inhibit CYP2D6.
What to do
Start with lower chlorpromazine doses and titrate to effect. Monitor for sedation, hypotension, extrapyramidal symptoms, and QTc prolongation.
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 Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpromazine with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorpromazine 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. Chlorpromazine is partly metabolized by CYP2D6, which paroxetine strongly inhibits, so chlorpromazine concentrations may rise. Chlorpromazine is also sedating, anticholinergic, hypotensive, and QT-prolonging, so higher exposure raises these risks.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine 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: Start with lower chlorpromazine doses and titrate to effect. Monitor for sedation, hypotension, extrapyramidal symptoms, and QTc prolongation.
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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