Drug interactions
Paroxetine + Vortioxetine
Severity: Major
Paroxetine and Vortioxetine: major 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
Both drugs raise serotonergic activity, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. Paroxetine, a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor, also substantially increases vortioxetine exposure, which can worsen adverse effects such as nausea.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paroxetine and Vortioxetine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Vortioxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects plus CYP2D6 inhibition by paroxetine reducing vortioxetine clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible. If used, reduce the vortioxetine dose and monitor for serotonin syndrome and tolerability.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Vortioxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Vortioxetine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Paroxetine with Vortioxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Paroxetine and Vortioxetine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs raise serotonergic activity, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. Paroxetine, a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor, also substantially increases vortioxetine exposure, which can worsen adverse effects such as nausea.
How serious is the interaction between Paroxetine and Vortioxetine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if possible. If used, reduce the vortioxetine dose and monitor for serotonin syndrome and tolerability.
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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