Drug interactions
Dosulepin + Haloperidol
Severity: Major
Dosulepin and Haloperidol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Dosulepin is a tricyclic antidepressant with sedative, anticholinergic and QT-prolonging effects. With haloperidol it increases sedation, anticholinergic burden and arrhythmia risk, and haloperidol may also raise tricyclic levels via CYP2D6 inhibition.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dosulepin and Haloperidol 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.
Dosulepin belongs to Central Nervous System; Haloperidol belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, antimuscarinic effects and QT prolongation, with possible CYP2D6 inhibition by haloperidol raising tricyclic concentrations.
What to do
Obtain an ECG and monitor QTc and electrolytes, and watch for sedation and anticholinergic toxicity. Use lower doses or an alternative antidepressant if risk factors are present.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Dosulepin and Haloperidol, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
- HALDOL 2 mg/ml oral solution - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: tricyclic antidepressants; "Haloperidol inhibits the metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. imipramine, desipramine), thereby increasing plasma concentrations of these medicinal pro") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Haloperidol
- Dofetilide + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Panobinostat Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Dosulepin
- Dosulepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Dosulepin Major
- Buprenorphine + Dosulepin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dosulepin with Haloperidol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dosulepin and Haloperidol 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. Dosulepin is a tricyclic antidepressant with sedative, anticholinergic and QT-prolonging effects. With haloperidol it increases sedation, anticholinergic burden and arrhythmia risk, and haloperidol may also raise tricyclic levels via CYP2D6 inhibition.
How serious is the interaction between Dosulepin and Haloperidol?
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 an ECG and monitor QTc and electrolytes, and watch for sedation and anticholinergic toxicity. Use lower doses or an alternative antidepressant if risk factors are present.
What other medicines interact with Haloperidol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Haloperidol with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Haloperidol page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
