Drug interactions
Clonidine + Fluoxetine
Severity: Minor
Clonidine and Fluoxetine: minor 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 may cause drowsiness and dizziness, and clonidine's blood pressure lowering may add to SSRI-related orthostatic effects. Fluoxetine inhibits CYP2D6, but clonidine is not mainly cleared by this pathway, so the effect is usually modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonidine and Fluoxetine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Clonidine belongs to Cardiovascular; Fluoxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and cardiovascular effects; no well-established pharmacokinetic interaction.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, dizziness and blood pressure changes when starting or adjusting either drug.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Clonidine
- Acebutolol + Clonidine Major
- Amifostine + Clonidine Major
- Amiodarone + Clonidine Major
- Amoxapine + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Clonidine Major
- Atenolol + Clonidine Major
Other interactions of Fluoxetine
- Fluoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clonidine with Fluoxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clonidine and Fluoxetine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Both drugs may cause drowsiness and dizziness, and clonidine's blood pressure lowering may add to SSRI-related orthostatic effects. Fluoxetine inhibits CYP2D6, but clonidine is not mainly cleared by this pathway, so the effect is usually modest.
How serious is the interaction between Clonidine and Fluoxetine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sedation, dizziness and blood pressure changes when starting or adjusting either drug.
What other medicines interact with Clonidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clonidine with, for example, Acebutolol, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Clonidine page.
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