Drug interactions
Pimozide + Valbenazine
Severity: Major
Pimozide and Valbenazine: 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
Valbenazine can prolong the QT interval at higher exposures, and pimozide is a strongly QT-prolonging drug. Combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes and also adds to somnolence and movement-related effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pimozide and Valbenazine 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; Valbenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation; valbenazine is a VMAT2 inhibitor with pharmacodynamic effects on dopamine signaling.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible. If used, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct electrolyte abnormalities.
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 Pimozide
- Adagrasib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Anagrelide + Pimozide 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 Pimozide with Valbenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pimozide and Valbenazine 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. Valbenazine can prolong the QT interval at higher exposures, and pimozide is a strongly QT-prolonging drug. Combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes and also adds to somnolence and movement-related effects.
How serious is the interaction between Pimozide and Valbenazine?
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, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct electrolyte abnormalities.
What other medicines interact with Pimozide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pimozide with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Pimozide page.
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