Drug interactions
Paroxetine + Pitolisant
Severity: Moderate
Paroxetine and Pitolisant: 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
Pitolisant is metabolized by CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, and strong CYP2D6 inhibitors such as paroxetine roughly double its exposure. This can increase adverse effects including insomnia, nausea, anxiety and QT prolongation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paroxetine and Pitolisant 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.
Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Pitolisant belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Paroxetine inhibits CYP2D6-mediated pitolisant metabolism.
What to do
Halve the pitolisant dose when starting it with paroxetine, as directed in its labeling. Monitor for adverse effects and QTc if other risk factors exist.
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 Pitolisant
- Alfuzosin + Pitolisant Major
- Amiodarone + Pitolisant Major
- Amisulpride + Pitolisant Major
- Anagrelide + Pitolisant Major
- Asenapine + Pitolisant Major
- Bupropion + Pitolisant Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Paroxetine with Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Paroxetine and Pitolisant 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. Pitolisant is metabolized by CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, and strong CYP2D6 inhibitors such as paroxetine roughly double its exposure. This can increase adverse effects including insomnia, nausea, anxiety and QT prolongation.
How serious is the interaction between Paroxetine and Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Halve the pitolisant dose when starting it with paroxetine, as directed in its labeling. Monitor for adverse effects and QTc if other risk factors exist.
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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