Drug interactions
Cocaine + Paroxetine
Severity: Moderate
Cocaine 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
Cocaine blocks serotonin reuptake along with dopamine and norepinephrine, so combining it with paroxetine may add serotonergic effects. Topical anesthetic use delivers low systemic doses, so risk is small, but with misuse the risk is higher.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cocaine 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.
Cocaine belongs to Central Nervous System; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive inhibition of serotonin reuptake.
What to do
For topical use, use the minimum dose and watch for agitation, tremor, tachycardia and hyperthermia. Advise against illicit cocaine use with paroxetine.
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 Cocaine
- Cocaine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Cocaine Major
- Bisoprolol + Cocaine Major
- Citalopram + Cocaine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cocaine with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cocaine 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. Cocaine blocks serotonin reuptake along with dopamine and norepinephrine, so combining it with paroxetine may add serotonergic effects. Topical anesthetic use delivers low systemic doses, so risk is small, but with misuse the risk is higher.
How serious is the interaction between Cocaine 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: For topical use, use the minimum dose and watch for agitation, tremor, tachycardia and hyperthermia. Advise against illicit cocaine use with paroxetine.
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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