Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Paroxetine
Severity: Moderate
Cyproheptadine 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
Cyproheptadine's serotonin receptor antagonism can reduce the therapeutic effect of SSRIs such as paroxetine, with possible loss of antidepressant or anxiolytic response. Paroxetine may also inhibit CYP2D6, which could raise cyproheptadine exposure and sedation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine 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.
Cyproheptadine belongs to Respiratory; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic 5-HT2 antagonism by cyproheptadine, with possible CYP2D6-related pharmacokinetic effects.
What to do
Monitor for worsening mood or anxiety symptoms and excess sedation. Consider stopping cyproheptadine if paroxetine efficacy declines.
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 Cyproheptadine
- Cyproheptadine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cyproheptadine Major
- Belladonna and opium + Cyproheptadine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cyproheptadine 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 Cyproheptadine with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyproheptadine 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. Cyproheptadine's serotonin receptor antagonism can reduce the therapeutic effect of SSRIs such as paroxetine, with possible loss of antidepressant or anxiolytic response. Paroxetine may also inhibit CYP2D6, which could raise cyproheptadine exposure and sedation.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine 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: Monitor for worsening mood or anxiety symptoms and excess sedation. Consider stopping cyproheptadine if paroxetine efficacy declines.
What other medicines interact with Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyproheptadine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Cyproheptadine page.
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