Drug interactions
Haloperidol + Risperidone
Severity: Major
Haloperidol and Risperidone: major 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
Using both antipsychotics together increases dopamine blockade, with greater risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Additive QT prolongation and sedation are also possible. Haloperidol may also raise risperidone exposure through CYP2D6 competition.
What this interaction means in plain words
Haloperidol 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.
Haloperidol belongs to Central Nervous System; Risperidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive D2 antagonism and QT prolongation, with possible CYP2D6 competition raising concentrations of both drugs.
What to do
Avoid routine combination; if necessary, use the lowest effective doses, check ECG and electrolytes, and monitor for extrapyramidal signs and 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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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 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 Haloperidol with Risperidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Haloperidol 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. Using both antipsychotics together increases dopamine blockade, with greater risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Additive QT prolongation and sedation are also possible. Haloperidol may also raise risperidone exposure through CYP2D6 competition.
How serious is the interaction between Haloperidol 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: Avoid routine combination; if necessary, use the lowest effective doses, check ECG and electrolytes, and monitor for extrapyramidal signs and sedation.
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.
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