Drug interactions
Paroxetine + Pimozide
Severity: Contraindicated
Paroxetine and Pimozide: contraindicated 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
Paroxetine raises pimozide exposure, and pimozide can prolong the QT interval, leading to ventricular arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. The combination is contraindicated in labeling.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paroxetine and Pimozide are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Pimozide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Paroxetine is a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor and reduces pimozide clearance, increasing its QT-prolonging effect.
What to do
Avoid the combination and select an antidepressant with minimal CYP2D6 inhibition if pimozide is required. Monitor ECG and electrolytes if any interaction is unavoidable.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Other interactions of Pimozide
- Adagrasib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Anagrelide + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Paroxetine with Pimozide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Paroxetine and Pimozide are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Paroxetine raises pimozide exposure, and pimozide can prolong the QT interval, leading to ventricular arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. The combination is contraindicated in labeling.
How serious is the interaction between Paroxetine and Pimozide?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and select an antidepressant with minimal CYP2D6 inhibition if pimozide is required. Monitor ECG and electrolytes if any interaction is unavoidable.
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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