Drug interactions
Deutetrabenazine + Pimozide
Severity: Major
Deutetrabenazine and Pimozide: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 agents act on dopamine pathways, so combining them can increase parkinsonism, akathisia, sedation and neuroleptic malignant syndrome risk. Deutetrabenazine can also cause QT prolongation in the presence of other QT-prolonging drugs, and pimozide is a strong QT prolonger.
What this interaction means in plain words
Deutetrabenazine and Pimozide can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Deutetrabenazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Pimozide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive dopamine antagonism and VMAT2-mediated dopamine depletion, with additive QT effects.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc, electrolytes and movement symptoms. Use the lowest effective doses, and avoid the combination in patients with QT risk factors.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Pimozide
- Adagrasib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Anagrelide + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Deutetrabenazine
- Deutetrabenazine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Deutetrabenazine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Deutetrabenazine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Deutetrabenazine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Deutetrabenazine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Deutetrabenazine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Deutetrabenazine with Pimozide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Deutetrabenazine and Pimozide can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both agents act on dopamine pathways, so combining them can increase parkinsonism, akathisia, sedation and neuroleptic malignant syndrome risk. Deutetrabenazine can also cause QT prolongation in the presence of other QT-prolonging drugs, and pimozide is a strong QT prolonger.
How serious is the interaction between Deutetrabenazine and Pimozide?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc, electrolytes and movement symptoms. Use the lowest effective doses, and avoid the combination in patients with QT risk factors.
What other medicines interact with Pimozide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pimozide with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Pimozide page.
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