Drug interactions
Pimozide + Vilazodone
Severity: Major
Pimozide and Vilazodone: 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 is a dopamine antagonist that prolongs the QT interval, and with vilazodone it may raise the risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome or serotonin toxicity. Vilazodone has a small effect on QT, so cardiac risk should also be considered.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pimozide and Vilazodone 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; Vilazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects with dopamine D2 blockade, plus potential additive QT effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible; if used, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor for QT prolongation, rigidity, hyperthermia and clonus. Stop the drugs if toxicity develops.
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 Vilazodone
- Isocarboxazid + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Vilazodone 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 Vilazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pimozide and Vilazodone 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 is a dopamine antagonist that prolongs the QT interval, and with vilazodone it may raise the risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome or serotonin toxicity. Vilazodone has a small effect on QT, so cardiac risk should also be considered.
How serious is the interaction between Pimozide and Vilazodone?
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 ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor for QT prolongation, rigidity, hyperthermia and clonus. Stop the drugs if toxicity develops.
What other medicines interact with Vilazodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vilazodone with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Vilazodone page.
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