Drug interactions
Paroxetine + Propranolol
Severity: Moderate
Paroxetine and Propranolol: 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
Paroxetine is a potent CYP2D6 inhibitor and can substantially increase propranolol concentrations. Patients may develop bradycardia, hypotension or fatigue.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paroxetine and Propranolol 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; Propranolol belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Paroxetine inhibits CYP2D6-mediated hydroxylation of propranolol, reducing its clearance.
What to do
Monitor heart rate and blood pressure when paroxetine is started, changed or stopped, and lower the propranolol dose as needed. Consider a non-CYP2D6 antidepressant or beta blocker if problems persist.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Paroxetine and Propranolol, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Propranolol
- Propranolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Propranolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Propranolol Major
- Albuterol + Propranolol Major
- Amifostine + Propranolol Major
- Amiodarone + Propranolol Major
Other interactions of Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Paroxetine with Propranolol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Paroxetine and Propranolol 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 is a potent CYP2D6 inhibitor and can substantially increase propranolol concentrations. Patients may develop bradycardia, hypotension or fatigue.
How serious is the interaction between Paroxetine and Propranolol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor heart rate and blood pressure when paroxetine is started, changed or stopped, and lower the propranolol dose as needed. Consider a non-CYP2D6 antidepressant or beta blocker if problems persist.
What other medicines interact with Propranolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propranolol with, for example, Thioridazine, Acebutolol, Adrenaline-articaine. The full list is on the Propranolol page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
