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Drug interactions

Nortriptyline + Risperidone

Severity: Moderate

Nortriptyline and Risperidone: 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 can prolong the QT interval and cause sedation and orthostatic hypotension. Nortriptyline may also raise risperidone levels via CYP2D6 competition, adding to the effects.

What this interaction means in plain words

Nortriptyline and Risperidone 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.

Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Risperidone belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation and CNS depression, with possible CYP2D6 competition.

What to do

Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor QTc and orthostatic blood pressure. Use the lowest effective 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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Nortriptyline with Risperidone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nortriptyline and Risperidone 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 can prolong the QT interval and cause sedation and orthostatic hypotension. Nortriptyline may also raise risperidone levels via CYP2D6 competition, adding to the effects.

How serious is the interaction between Nortriptyline and Risperidone?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor QTc and orthostatic blood pressure. Use the lowest effective doses.

What other medicines interact with Nortriptyline?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Nortriptyline with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Nortriptyline page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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