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Drug Interactions between deutetrabenazine and Seroquel XR

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

QUEtiapine deutetrabenazine

Applies to: Seroquel XR (quetiapine) and deutetrabenazine

MONITOR CLOSELY: Tetrabenazine causes central dopamine depletion by binding reversibly to human vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) and interfering with presynaptic monoamine storage mechanisms. Coadministration of tetrabenazine in combination with neuroleptic agents or other dopamine antagonists (e.g., metoclopramide) may result in severe manifestations of dopamine deficiency. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome hyperthermia, parkinsonism, dysphagia, akathisia, and other extrapyramidal disorders have been reported during tetrabenazine therapy, either alone or in combination with neuroleptic agents. The same interaction can be expected for deutetrabenazine, a deuterium-containing analog of tetrabenazine.

GENERALLY AVOID: Deutetrabenazine, as well as many neuroleptic agents (e.g., asenapine, clozapine, droperidol, haloperidol, iloperidone, paliperidone, pimozide, phenothiazines, quetiapine, risperidone, sertindole, ziprasidone) and other dopamine antagonists (e.g., domperidone) have been associated with dose-related prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, the use of these agents in combination may result in elevated risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes, because of additive arrhythmogenic potential related to their effects on cardiac conduction. In healthy male and female subjects, a single 24 mg dose of deutetrabenazine increased the QTc by approximately 4.5 msec. Effects at higher exposures to deutetrabenazine or its active metabolites have not been evaluated. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drugs involved and dosages of the drugs.

MANAGEMENT: The use of deutetrabenazine in combination with neuroleptic agents or other dopamine antagonists should preferable be avoided. When coadministration is required, patients should be instructed to notify their physician if they experience extrapyramidal symptoms such as bradykinesia, hypertonia, rigidity, restlessness, and dysphagia. Clinicians, caregivers, and family members should be apprised of the risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome and be alert to potential signs and symptoms such as mental status changes (e.g. mutism, catatonia, stupor, coma, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, delusions), autonomic instability, restlessness, rigidity, ataxia, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, tremors, diaphoresis, elevated creatine phosphokinase levels, and hyperpyrexia. Patients should seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

References (1)
  1. (2017) "Product Information. Austedo (deutetrabenazine)." Teva Pharmaceuticals USA

Drug and food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate

QUEtiapine food/lifestyle

Applies to: Seroquel XR (quetiapine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice and/or grapefruit may increase the plasma concentrations of quetiapine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice but has been reported for other CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. For example, in 12 healthy volunteers, administration of a single 25 mg dose of quetiapine with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (200 mg once daily for 4 days) increased mean quetiapine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 3.4- and 6.2-fold, respectively, and decreased mean oral clearance by 84%. In general, the effects of grapefruit products are concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. High plasma levels of quetiapine may increase the risk and/or severity of serious adverse effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hyperprolactinemia, orthostatic hypotension, blood pressure increases (in children and adolescents), priapism, QT prolongation, cognitive and motor impairment, dysphagia, heat-related illnesses due to disruption of body temperature regulation, and symptoms of serotonin syndrome (e.g., mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucination, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea).

Food may have varying effects on the absorption of quetiapine from immediate-release versus prolonged-release formulations. In a study examining the effects of food on the bioavailability of quetiapine, a high-fat meal was found to produce statistically significant increases in the quetiapine prolonged release Cmax and AUC of approximately 50% and 20%, respectively. It cannot be excluded that the effect of a high fat meal on the formulation may be larger. In comparison, a light meal had no significant effect on the Cmax or AUC of quetiapine.

Quetiapine may potentiate the cognitive and motor effects of alcohol. The mechanism is likely related to the primary central nervous system effects of quetiapine.

MANAGEMENT: According to the manufacturer, consumption of grapefruit juice should be avoided during treatment with quetiapine. Quetiapine immediate-release tablets may be taken with or without food. It is recommended that quetiapine prolonged release is taken once daily without food or with a light meal. Consumption of alcohol should be limited and used with caution while taking quetiapine.

References (10)
  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  3. Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios Healthcare (2008) Centro de información online de medicamentos de la AEMPS - CIMA. https://cima.aemps.es/cima/publico/home.html
  4. (2023) "Product Information. Aliquen (QUETIAPine)." Pharmacor Limited
  5. (2024) "Product Information. Mintreleq XL (quetiapine)." Aristo Pharma Ltd
  6. (2025) "Product Information. QUEtiapine Fumarate (QUEtiapine)." XLCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc
  7. (2024) "Product Information. QUEtiapine Fumarate ER (QUEtiapine)." ScieGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  8. (2025) "Product Information. Apo-Quetiapine (quetiapine)." Apotex Inc
  9. Miyamatsu, Y., Tanizaki, R. (2021) "Serotonin syndrome triggered by increasing the dose of quetiapine" Clinical practice and cases in emergency medicine, 5, p. 365-366
  10. Kohen, I., Gordon, M.L., Manu, P. (2007) "Serotonin syndrome in elderly patients treated for psychotic depression with atypical antipsychotics and antidepressants: two case reports" CNS Spectr, 12, p. 596-8

Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.