Drug interactions
Pimozide + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Major
Pimozide and Tranylcypromine: 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
Pimozide has a labeled warning about its use with other drugs that may affect cardiac conduction or CNS function. With an MAO inhibitor there are additive serotonergic and dopamine-blocking effects and a risk of hypotension. NMS and serotonin toxicity are possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pimozide and Tranylcypromine 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.
Pimozide belongs to Central Nervous System; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effects of MAO inhibition and pimozide's dopamine blockade, with pimozide's own QT liability adding to risk.
What to do
Avoid if possible and choose an alternative antipsychotic. If used, obtain a baseline ECG and monitor for NMS, serotonin toxicity and blood pressure changes.
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 Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Pimozide
- Adagrasib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Anagrelide + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pimozide with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pimozide and Tranylcypromine 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. Pimozide has a labeled warning about its use with other drugs that may affect cardiac conduction or CNS function. With an MAO inhibitor there are additive serotonergic and dopamine-blocking effects and a risk of hypotension. NMS and serotonin toxicity are possible.
How serious is the interaction between Pimozide and Tranylcypromine?
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 if possible and choose an alternative antipsychotic. If used, obtain a baseline ECG and monitor for NMS, serotonin toxicity and blood pressure changes.
What other medicines interact with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tranylcypromine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Tranylcypromine page.
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