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Drug interactions

Risperidone + Vilazodone

Severity: Moderate

Risperidone and Vilazodone: 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

Both drugs affect serotonergic and dopaminergic signalling, and combined use may raise the risk of serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The risk is low in practice, and the combination is commonly used for augmentation, but the reactions can be serious.

What this interaction means in plain words

Risperidone and Vilazodone 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.

Risperidone belongs to Central Nervous System; Vilazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive serotonergic effects (vilazodone) with 5-HT2A and dopamine D2 antagonism (risperidone) may produce pharmacodynamic toxicity.

What to do

Monitor for mental status change, autonomic instability, neuromuscular hyperactivity, fever and rigidity, especially after starting or raising doses. Stop the drugs and treat if toxicity is suspected.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Risperidone with Vilazodone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Risperidone and Vilazodone 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. Both drugs affect serotonergic and dopaminergic signalling, and combined use may raise the risk of serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The risk is low in practice, and the combination is commonly used for augmentation, but the reactions can be serious.

How serious is the interaction between Risperidone and Vilazodone?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for mental status change, autonomic instability, neuromuscular hyperactivity, fever and rigidity, especially after starting or raising doses. Stop the drugs and treat if toxicity is suspected.

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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