Drug interactions
Haloperidol + Paroxetine
Severity: Moderate
Haloperidol 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
Paroxetine inhibits CYP2D6, one of the pathways metabolizing haloperidol, and can raise haloperidol levels. Higher exposure increases extrapyramidal effects, sedation, and QT prolongation risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Haloperidol 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.
Haloperidol belongs to Central Nervous System; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP2D6 inhibition by paroxetine reducing haloperidol metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms and consider a lower haloperidol dose. Obtain an ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors or at higher doses.
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 Haloperidol
- Dofetilide + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Panobinostat Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Haloperidol with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Haloperidol 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. Paroxetine inhibits CYP2D6, one of the pathways metabolizing haloperidol, and can raise haloperidol levels. Higher exposure increases extrapyramidal effects, sedation, and QT prolongation risk.
How serious is the interaction between Haloperidol 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: Monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms and consider a lower haloperidol dose. Obtain an ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors or at higher doses.
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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