Drug interactions
Paroxetine + Valbenazine
Severity: Moderate
Paroxetine and Valbenazine: 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
Valbenazine's active metabolite is cleared partly via CYP2D6, and strong inhibitors like paroxetine increase exposure to it. This may raise somnolence and QT prolongation risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paroxetine and Valbenazine 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; Valbenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Paroxetine inhibits CYP2D6, increasing exposure to valbenazine's active metabolite; additive QT effect is possible.
What to do
Reduce the valbenazine dose per labeling when given with a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor and monitor for somnolence and QT-related symptoms.
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 Valbenazine
- Deutetrabenazine + Valbenazine Contraindicated
- Tranylcypromine + Valbenazine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Valbenazine Major
- Amisulpride + Valbenazine Major
- Apalutamide + Valbenazine Major
- Carbamazepine + Valbenazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Paroxetine with Valbenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Paroxetine and Valbenazine 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. Valbenazine's active metabolite is cleared partly via CYP2D6, and strong inhibitors like paroxetine increase exposure to it. This may raise somnolence and QT prolongation risk.
How serious is the interaction between Paroxetine and Valbenazine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the valbenazine dose per labeling when given with a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor and monitor for somnolence and QT-related symptoms.
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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