Drug interactions
Dosulepin + Ziprasidone
Severity: Major
Dosulepin and Ziprasidone: 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
Dosulepin is a sedating tricyclic antidepressant that can prolong the QT interval and cause anticholinergic effects. Combined with ziprasidone, it raises the risk of excess sedation and also of QT prolongation and arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dosulepin and Ziprasidone 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; Ziprasidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and additive QT prolongation through cardiac ion channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, particularly in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte disturbance. If both are required, check a baseline and follow-up ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor for sedation.
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 Ziprasidone
- Amiodarone + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Bedaquiline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Ziprasidone 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 Ziprasidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dosulepin and Ziprasidone 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 sedating tricyclic antidepressant that can prolong the QT interval and cause anticholinergic effects. Combined with ziprasidone, it raises the risk of excess sedation and also of QT prolongation and arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Dosulepin and Ziprasidone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible, particularly in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte disturbance. If both are required, check a baseline and follow-up ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor for sedation.
What other medicines interact with Ziprasidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ziprasidone with, for example, Amiodarone, Amitriptyline, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Ziprasidone page.
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