Drug interactions
Dihydroergotamine + Paroxetine
Severity: Moderate
Dihydroergotamine 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
Dihydroergotamine has serotonergic activity, and combining it with an SSRI may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Paroxetine does not meaningfully inhibit CYP3A4, so the concern is mainly pharmacodynamic.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dihydroergotamine 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.
Dihydroergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects at 5-HT receptors with SSRI-mediated reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Counsel on serotonin syndrome symptoms and monitor during initiation and dose increases. Stop dihydroergotamine and treat if toxicity develops.
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 Dihydroergotamine
- Almotriptan + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dopamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Eletriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dihydroergotamine with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dihydroergotamine 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. Dihydroergotamine has serotonergic activity, and combining it with an SSRI may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Paroxetine does not meaningfully inhibit CYP3A4, so the concern is mainly pharmacodynamic.
How serious is the interaction between Dihydroergotamine 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: Counsel on serotonin syndrome symptoms and monitor during initiation and dose increases. Stop dihydroergotamine and treat if toxicity develops.
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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