Drug interactions
Haloperidol + Tramadol
Severity: Moderate
Haloperidol and Tramadol: 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
Both drugs depress the central nervous system, so combined use can cause more drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. Haloperidol is also a CYP2D6 substrate and inhibitor, which may reduce tramadol activation to its active metabolite. Tramadol and antipsychotics may each lower the seizure threshold.
What this interaction means in plain words
Haloperidol and Tramadol 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; Tramadol belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and lowering of the seizure threshold, with possible CYP2D6 competition.
What to do
Start with the lowest effective tramadol dose and monitor for excess sedation and seizures. Counsel patients about driving and operating machinery.
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 Tramadol
- Isocarboxazid + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Tramadol 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 Tramadol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Haloperidol and Tramadol 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. Both drugs depress the central nervous system, so combined use can cause more drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. Haloperidol is also a CYP2D6 substrate and inhibitor, which may reduce tramadol activation to its active metabolite. Tramadol and antipsychotics may each lower the seizure threshold.
How serious is the interaction between Haloperidol and Tramadol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start with the lowest effective tramadol dose and monitor for excess sedation and seizures. Counsel patients about driving and operating machinery.
What other medicines interact with Tramadol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tramadol with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Tramadol page.
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