Drug interactions
Diamorphine + Risperidone
Severity: Major
Diamorphine and Risperidone: 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
Diamorphine (heroin) is a potent opioid, and risperidone adds sedative and hypotensive effects. Together they can produce profound drowsiness, hypotension and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diamorphine and Risperidone 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with additive hypotension.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Reduce the opioid dose if oversedation develops.
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 Risperidone
- Ibutilide + Risperidone Contraindicated
- Risperidone + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Risperidone Major
- Amiodarone + Risperidone Major
- Amisulpride + Risperidone Major
- Amoxapine + Risperidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diamorphine with Risperidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diamorphine and Risperidone 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. Diamorphine (heroin) is a potent opioid, and risperidone adds sedative and hypotensive effects. Together they can produce profound drowsiness, hypotension and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Diamorphine and Risperidone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Reduce the opioid dose if oversedation develops.
What other medicines interact with Risperidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Risperidone with, for example, Ibutilide, Vandetanib, Adagrasib. The full list is on the Risperidone page.
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