Does Haloperidol Interact With Sertraline? (3+ Options)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we will discuss Haloperidol interaction with Sertraline. We will also share the side effects related to interactions between these medicines and how to manage the side effects.

Does Haloperidol interact with Sertraline?

Yes, Haloperidol does interact with Sertraline. Haloperidol is a neuroleptic antipsychotic medicine whereas Sertraline is an antidepressant.

Haloperidol is used for controlling motor and speech and is typically prescribed in schizophrenia, while Sertraline (Zoloft) is prescribed in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Using Haloperidol and sertraline in combination can cause irregular cardiac rhythms which could be fatal although it is a rare adverse effect.

How do Haloperidol and Sertraline interact in the body?

The interaction between Haloperidol and Sertraline can be through the effects of these medications on various neurotransmitters in the brain, such as Dopamine and Serotonin.

Sertraline known as a Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, primarily works in blocking the reuptake of serotonin. This results in inhibiting the reabsorption and increasing levels of serotonin in the brain which is subjected to reduce symptoms associated with depression.

Sertraline works on serotonin and does not directly affect dopamine or any other neurotransmitters.

Haloperidol, on the other hand, acts as a dopamine antagonist. However, it has some binding affinity with serotonin receptors which can result in increased levels of serotonin in synaptic cleft causing side effects.

When both of these medications are taken in combination this can result in possible effects on serotonin levels which cause some serious side effects such as serotonin syndrome, tardive dyskinesia and extrapyramidal symptoms, although these side effects are rarely observed.

It is better to communicate with your healthcare provider if you are taking Haloperidol in combination with Sertraline.

What does research suggest?

One clinical study suggested that Haloperidol when co-administered with sertraline, increases Haloperidol plasma concentration but improvement was observed in extrapyramidal symptoms and negative effects. any changes in symptoms and side effects were not observed in this study. (1)

Another study presents that Haloperidol should not be co-administered with the drugs that cause prolongation of QT interval particularly given in high doses or intravenously.

It is advised to seek medical help if the patient suffers from lightheadedness, palpitations, dizziness, irregular cardiac rhythms, and syncope (fainting or passing out). (2,3)

However, Haloperidol may be co-administered with Sertraline in certain medical conditions to achieve therapeutic effect but one should seek medical advice from a doctor before using these medications as a combination therapy as it can cause major side effects which can be rarely observed.

Potential side effects of taking Haloperidol and Sertraline together

Haloperidol taken in combination with Sertraline can produce side effects in some people. Some rare side effects observed when Haloperidol interacts with Sertraline are:

Irregular cardiac rhythms
Palpitations
Confusion
Fever
Syncope (fainting)
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Dizziness
Shortness of breath.

What are alternative options to Haloperidol while taking Sertraline?

If you are taking Sertraline (Zoloft) and need an alternative option to Haloperidol for psychosis or Schizophrenia, several options can generally be considered safe options to use in combination with Sertraline.

Essentially it is considered to reach out to your healthcare provider before starting a new medicine. Some of the alternatives of Haloperidol while administering Sertraline:

Atypical Antipsychotic medications:

To manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia atypical antipsychotic medicines can be used in combination with Sertraline. E.g.: Clozapine is used in combination treatment with Sertraline for mental health conditions.

Anti-anxiety medications:

Antianxiety medications can be used for short-term treatment of anxiety such as Lorazepam, Benzodiazepines, or clonazepam. However, these are sporadically administered because it has the potential for dependence and should be used under medical guidance.

Mood Stabilizers:

Medication that helps in stabilizing mood can be used in adjunct with sertraline for episodes of depression in bipolar disorder such as Lithium.

Although haloperidol alternative options are available it is considered to take proper medical guidance before starting any new medication.

Conclusion:

In this article, we discussed whether Haloperidol interacts with Sertraline. We shared how medications interact and their possible side effects.

Thus, adjunct therapy of Haloperidol and Sertraline should be started under medical supervision, this will help in the management of medications.

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References

1.-

Lee MS, Han CS, You YW, Kim SH. Co-administration of sertraline and haloperidol. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 1998 Dec;52 Suppl:S193-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1819.1998.tb03220.x. PMID: 9895145.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9895145/

2.-

Wilt JL, Minnema AM, Johnson RF, Rosenblum AM. Torsade de pointes associated with the use of intravenous haloperidol. Ann Intern Med. 1993 Sep 1;119(5):391-4. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-119-5-199309010-00007. PMID: 8338292.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8338292/

3.-

Frits Huyse, Rob Strack Van Schijndel HALOPERIDOL AND CARDIAC ARREST, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S014067368892689XThe Lancet, Volume 332, Issue 8610,1988, Pages 568-569, ISSN 0140-6736, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(88)92689-X.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014067368892689X)

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Does Haloperidol interact with Sertraline? (3+ options)