Drug interactions
Hydroxyzine + Risperidone
Severity: Major
Hydroxyzine 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval and cause sedation, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes and of excessive drowsiness. Hydroxyzine's anticholinergic activity may also add to that of risperidone.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxyzine 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.
Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory; Risperidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation via hERG blockade and additive CNS depression and anticholinergic effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination in patients with QT risk factors, and use the lowest hydroxyzine dose otherwise. Check ECG and electrolytes and monitor 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 Risperidone
- Ibutilide + Risperidone Contraindicated
- Risperidone + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Risperidone Major
- Amiodarone + Risperidone Major
- Amisulpride + Risperidone Major
- Amoxapine + Risperidone Major
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 Risperidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydroxyzine 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval and cause sedation, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes and of excessive drowsiness. Hydroxyzine's anticholinergic activity may also add to that of risperidone.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxyzine 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 the combination in patients with QT risk factors, and use the lowest hydroxyzine dose otherwise. Check ECG and electrolytes and monitor sedation.
What other medicines interact with Risperidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Risperidone with, for example, Ibutilide, Vandetanib, Adagrasib. The full list is on the Risperidone page.
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