Drug interactions
Paroxetine + Rizatriptan
Severity: Moderate
Paroxetine and Rizatriptan: 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
Taking an SSRI with a triptan carries a rare risk of serotonin syndrome. Patients may develop agitation, tremor, sweating and fever.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paroxetine and Rizatriptan 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; Rizatriptan belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from reuptake inhibition and 5-HT1B/1D agonism.
What to do
Counsel on symptoms of serotonin toxicity and monitor after dose changes. Stop one or both drugs if symptoms arise.
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 Rizatriptan
- Almotriptan + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Paroxetine with Rizatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Paroxetine and Rizatriptan 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. Taking an SSRI with a triptan carries a rare risk of serotonin syndrome. Patients may develop agitation, tremor, sweating and fever.
How serious is the interaction between Paroxetine and Rizatriptan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel on symptoms of serotonin toxicity and monitor after dose changes. Stop one or both drugs if symptoms arise.
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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