Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Sertraline
Severity: Major
Chlorpromazine and Sertraline: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 prolongs the QT interval and has been linked to torsades de pointes. Sertraline adds a smaller QT effect and weakly inhibits CYP2D6, which may raise chlorpromazine levels, so arrhythmia risk is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and Sertraline 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.
Chlorpromazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation plus possible CYP2D6 inhibition by sertraline reducing chlorpromazine clearance.
What to do
Obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes before combining, and repeat after dose changes. Use the lowest effective chlorpromazine dose or choose a lower QT-risk antipsychotic.
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 Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline 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 Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine and Sertraline 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. Chlorpromazine prolongs the QT interval and has been linked to torsades de pointes. Sertraline adds a smaller QT effect and weakly inhibits CYP2D6, which may raise chlorpromazine levels, so arrhythmia risk is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Sertraline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes before combining, and repeat after dose changes. Use the lowest effective chlorpromazine dose or choose a lower QT-risk antipsychotic.
What other medicines interact with Sertraline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sertraline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Sertraline page.
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