Drug interactions
Hydroxyzine + Paroxetine
Severity: Moderate
Hydroxyzine 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
Hydroxyzine is associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and paroxetine may add to the effect and also inhibit CYP2D6 modestly. Risk is higher in older patients and those with electrolyte abnormalities or heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxyzine 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.
Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with sedative and anticholinergic effects also being additive.
What to do
Use the lowest hydroxyzine dose for the shortest time and avoid in patients with QT risk factors. Correct electrolytes and consider an ECG.
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 Hydroxyzine
- Droperidol + Hydroxyzine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydroxyzine Major
- Amiodarone + Hydroxyzine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxyzine with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydroxyzine 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. Hydroxyzine is associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and paroxetine may add to the effect and also inhibit CYP2D6 modestly. Risk is higher in older patients and those with electrolyte abnormalities or heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxyzine 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: Use the lowest hydroxyzine dose for the shortest time and avoid in patients with QT risk factors. Correct electrolytes and consider an ECG.
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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