Drug interactions
Cinnarizine + Olanzapine
Severity: Moderate
Cinnarizine 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
Both drugs cause sedation, so combined use can increase drowsiness and reduce alertness. Cinnarizine can also cause extrapyramidal symptoms, which may add to those from olanzapine, especially in older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cinnarizine 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.
Cinnarizine belongs to Respiratory; Olanzapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through H1 antagonism, with additive dopamine D2 blockade contributing to extrapyramidal effects.
What to do
Warn about sedation and avoid driving until the response is known. Monitor for parkinsonism and use the lowest effective cinnarizine dose for the shortest time.
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 Olanzapine
Other interactions of Cinnarizine
- Alprazolam + Cinnarizine Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Cinnarizine Moderate
- Amobarbital + Cinnarizine Moderate
- Aripiprazole + Cinnarizine Moderate
- Azelastine-fluticasone + Cinnarizine Moderate
- Azelastine + Cinnarizine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cinnarizine with Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cinnarizine 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. Both drugs cause sedation, so combined use can increase drowsiness and reduce alertness. Cinnarizine can also cause extrapyramidal symptoms, which may add to those from olanzapine, especially in older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Cinnarizine 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: Warn about sedation and avoid driving until the response is known. Monitor for parkinsonism and use the lowest effective cinnarizine dose for the shortest time.
What other medicines interact with Olanzapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Olanzapine with, for example, Amisulpride, Amoxapine, Apomorphine. The full list is on the Olanzapine page.
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