Drug interactions
Clonidine + Paroxetine
Severity: Minor
Clonidine and Paroxetine: 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
Paroxetine is a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor, and clonidine is partly metabolized by CYP2D6 among other pathways, so exposure may rise modestly. Reports of altered blood pressure control exist, and SSRIs may also add to drowsiness or dizziness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonidine and Paroxetine 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; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible CYP2D6 inhibition by paroxetine plus minor additive CNS effects; the clinical significance is not well established.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate when paroxetine is started or stopped. Adjust the clonidine dose if hypotension, bradycardia or sedation occurs.
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 Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clonidine with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clonidine and Paroxetine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Paroxetine is a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor, and clonidine is partly metabolized by CYP2D6 among other pathways, so exposure may rise modestly. Reports of altered blood pressure control exist, and SSRIs may also add to drowsiness or dizziness.
How serious is the interaction between Clonidine and Paroxetine?
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 blood pressure and heart rate when paroxetine is started or stopped. Adjust the clonidine dose if hypotension, bradycardia or sedation occurs.
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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