Drug interactions
Tetrabenazine + Ziprasidone
Severity: Major
Tetrabenazine and Ziprasidone: 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
Tetrabenazine can prolong the QTc interval, and ziprasidone does so as well. Together they raise the risk of torsades de pointes, and tetrabenazine also adds the risk of parkinsonism and sedation with an antipsychotic.
What this interaction means in plain words
Tetrabenazine and Ziprasidone 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.
Tetrabenazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Ziprasidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation; both drugs also affect dopaminergic transmission.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If it must be used, check a baseline ECG and monitor QTc, electrolytes and extrapyramidal symptoms.
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 Ziprasidone
- Amiodarone + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Bedaquiline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
Other interactions of Tetrabenazine
- Dronedarone + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Tetrabenazine with Ziprasidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Tetrabenazine and Ziprasidone 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. Tetrabenazine can prolong the QTc interval, and ziprasidone does so as well. Together they raise the risk of torsades de pointes, and tetrabenazine also adds the risk of parkinsonism and sedation with an antipsychotic.
How serious is the interaction between Tetrabenazine and Ziprasidone?
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 where possible. If it must be used, check a baseline ECG and monitor QTc, electrolytes and extrapyramidal symptoms.
What other medicines interact with Ziprasidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ziprasidone with, for example, Amiodarone, Amitriptyline, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Ziprasidone page.
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