Skip to main content

Drug Interactions between Duo-Vil and lithium

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

Edit list (add/remove drugs)

Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

lithium amitriptyline

Applies to: lithium and Duo-Vil (amitriptyline / perphenazine)

MONITOR: The concomitant use of lithium and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may potentiate the risk of neurotoxicity and psychotic symptoms, even at therapeutic serum lithium levels. The mechanism is unknown but may be related to synergistic effects on neurotransmission. Mania, myoclonus, tremors, memory difficulties, confusion, serotonin syndrome, and a neuroleptic malignant-like syndrome have been reported in patients treated with TCAs several days after the addition of lithium, in most cases requiring discontinuation of either the TCA or lithium. Elderly patients may be particularly susceptible to this interaction.

MANAGEMENT: Close monitoring for symptoms of neurotoxicity is recommended if TCAs are used with lithium. Dosage adjustment or discontinuation of one or both drugs may be necessary if an interaction is suspected.

References (5)
  1. Rosenberg PB, Pearlman CA (1991) "NMS-like syndrome with a lithium-doxepin combination." J Clin Psychopharmacol, 11, p. 75-6
  2. Devanand DP, Sackeim HA, Brown RP (1988) "Myoclonus during combined tricyclic antidepressant and lithium treatment." J Clin Psychopharmacol, 8, p. 446-7
  3. Austin LS, Arana GW, Melvin JA (1990) "Toxicity resulting from lithium augmentation of antidepressant treatment in elderly patients." J Clin Psychiatry, 51, p. 344-5
  4. Delisle JD (1986) "Rapid switch in a bipolar patient during lithium-tricyclic therapy." Am J Psychiatry, 143, p. 1326-7
  5. Kojima H, Terao T, Yoshimura R (1993) "Serotonin syndrome during clomipramine and lithium treatment." Am J Psychiatry, 150, p. 1897
Moderate

lithium perphenazine

Applies to: lithium and Duo-Vil (amitriptyline / perphenazine)

MONITOR: Although lithium and phenothiazines are frequently used together in the setting of acute mania, concurrent administration may induce a number of neurologic and psychiatric effects (despite decreased phenothiazine levels during lithium therapy). Mental status changes, delirium, seizures, extrapyramidal effects, fever, and other symptoms have been reported. The mechanism is unknown.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving lithium and a phenothiazine should be closely monitored for altered efficacy and safety. In some circumstances, discontinuation of one or both agents may be necessary.

References (7)
  1. Yassa R (1986) "A case of lithium-chlorpromazine interaction." J Clin Psychiatry, 47, p. 90-1
  2. Stevenson R, Blanshard C, Patterson D (1989) "Ventricular fibrillation due to lithium withdrawal: an interaction with chlorpromazine?" Postgrad Med J, 65, p. 936-8
  3. Rivera-Calimlim L, Kerzner B, Karch FE (1978) "Effect of lithium on plasma chlorpromazine levels." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 23, p. 451-5
  4. Prakash R, Kelwala S, Ban TA (1982) "Neurotoxicity with combined administration of lithium and a neuroleptic." Compr Psychiatry, 23, p. 567-71
  5. Singh SV (1982) "Lithium carbonate/fluphenazine decanoate producing irreversible brain damage." Lancet, 2, p. 278
  6. Sachdev PS (1986) "Lithium potentiation of neuroleptic-related extrapyramidal side effects." Am J Psychiatry, 143, p. 942
  7. (2002) "Product Information. Eskalith (lithium)." SmithKline Beecham
Moderate

amitriptyline perphenazine

Applies to: Duo-Vil (amitriptyline / perphenazine) and Duo-Vil (amitriptyline / perphenazine)

MONITOR: Coadministration of a phenothiazine with a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) may result in elevated plasma concentrations of one or both drugs as well as additive adverse effects. Most phenothiazines and TCAs have been found to undergo metabolism by CYP450 2D6, thus competitive inhibition of the enzyme may occur when more than one of these agents are administered. Although these drugs have been used together clinically, the possibility of increased risk of serious adverse effects such as central nervous system depression, tardive dyskinesia, hypotension, and prolongation of the QT interval should be considered, as many of these agents alone can and have produced these effects. In addition, excessive anticholinergic effects may occur in combination use, which can result in paralytic ileus, hyperthermia, heat stroke, and the anticholinergic intoxication syndrome. Peripheral symptoms of anticholinergic intoxication commonly include mydriasis, blurred vision, flushed face, fever, dry skin and mucous membranes, tachycardia, urinary retention, and constipation. Central symptoms may include memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, hallucinations, psychosis, delirium, hyperactivity, twitching or jerking movements, stereotypy, and seizures.

MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of phenothiazines and TCAs should be approached with caution, particularly in the elderly and those with underlying organic brain disease, who tend to be more sensitive to the central anticholinergic effects of these drugs and in whom toxicity symptoms may be easily overlooked. Patients should be advised to notify their physician promptly if they experience potential symptoms of anticholinergic intoxication (e.g., abdominal pain, fever, heat intolerance, blurred vision, confusion, hallucinations) or cardiovascular toxicity (e.g., dizziness, palpitations, arrhythmias, syncope). Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how these agents affect them. A dosage reduction in one or both drugs may be necessary if excessive adverse effects develop.

References (16)
  1. Loga S, Curry S, Lader M (1981) "Interaction of chlorpromazine and nortriptyline in patients with schizophrenia." Clin Pharmacokinet, 6, p. 454-62
  2. Stadnyk AN, Glezos JD (1983) "Drug-induced heat stroke." Can Med Assoc J, 128, p. 957-9
  3. Bock JL, Nelson JC, Gray S, Jatlow PI (1983) "Desipramine hydroxylation: variability and effect of antipsychotic drugs." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 33, p. 322-8
  4. Gram LF, Overo KF (1972) "Drug interaction: inhibitory effect of neuroleptics on metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants in man." Br Med J, 1, p. 463-5
  5. El-Yousef MK, Manier DH (1974) "Tricyclic antidepressants and phenothiazines." JAMA, 229, p. 1419
  6. Hirschowitz J, Bennett JA, Zemlan FP, Garver DL (1983) "Thioridazine effect on desipramine plasma levels." J Clin Psychopharmacol, 3, p. 376-9
  7. Vandel S, Sandoz M, Vandel B, Bonin B, Allers G, Volmat R (1986) "Biotransformation of amitriptyline in man: interaction with phenothiazines." Neuropsychobiology, 15, p. 15-9
  8. Zelman S, Guillan R (1970) "Heat stroke in phenothiazine-treated patients: a report of three fatalities." Am J Psychiatry, 126, p. 1787-90
  9. Mann SC, Boger WP (1978) "Psychotropic drugs, summer heat and humidity, and hyperplexia: a danger restated." Am J Psychiatry, 135, p. 1097-100
  10. Warnes H, Lehmann HE, Ban TA (1967) "Adynamic ileus during psychoactive medication: a report of three fatal and five severe cases." Can Med Assoc J, 96, p. 1112-3
  11. Siris SG, Cooper TB, Rifkin AE, Brenner R, Lieberman JA (1982) "Plasma imipramine concentrations in patients receiving concomitant fluphenazine decanoate." Am J Psychiatry, 139, p. 104-6
  12. Johnson AL, Hollister LE, Berger PA (1981) "The anticholinergic intoxication syndrome: diagnosis and treatment." J Clin Psychiatry, 42, p. 313-7
  13. Lee BS (1986) "Possibility of hyperpyrexia with antipsychotic and anticholinergic drugs." J Clin Psychiatry, 47, p. 571
  14. Moreau A, Jones BD, Banno V (1986) "Chronic central anticholinergic toxicity in manic depressive illness mimicking dementia." Can J Psychiatry, 31, p. 339-41
  15. Hvizdos AJ, Bennett JA, Wells BG, Rappaport KB, Mendel SA (1983) "Anticholinergic psychosis in a patient receiving usual doses of haloperidol." Clin Pharm, 2, p. 174-8
  16. Maynard GL, Soni P (1996) "Thioridazine interferences with imipramine metabolism and measurement." Ther Drug Monit, 18, p. 729-31

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

lithium food

Applies to: lithium

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

References (4)
  1. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P (1986) "Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline." Neuropsychobiology, 15, p. 31-7
  2. Gilman AG, eds., Nies AS, Rall TW, Taylor P (1990) "Goodman and Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics." New York, NY: Pergamon Press Inc.
  3. (2012) "Product Information. Fycompa (perampanel)." Eisai Inc
  4. (2015) "Product Information. Rexulti (brexpiprazole)." Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals Inc
Moderate

amitriptyline food

Applies to: Duo-Vil (amitriptyline / perphenazine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of ethanol and a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) may result altered TCA plasma levels and efficacy, and additive impairment of motor skills, especially driving skills. Acute ethanol ingestion may inhibit TCA metabolism, while chronic ingestion of large amounts of ethanol may induce hepatic TCA metabolism.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during TCA therapy. Alcoholics who have undergone detoxification should be monitored for decreased TCA efficacy. Dosage adjustments may be required.

References (7)
  1. Dorian P, Sellers EM, Reed KL, et al. (1983) "Amitriptyline and ethanol: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 25, p. 325-31
  2. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P (1986) "Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline." Neuropsychobiology, 15, p. 31-7
  3. Sandoz M, Vandel S, Vandel B, Bonin B, Allers G, Volmat R (1983) "Biotransformation of amitriptyline in alcoholic depressive patients." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 24, p. 615-21
  4. Ciraulo DA, Barnhill JG, Jaffe JH (1988) "Clinical pharmacokinetics of imipramine and desipramine in alcoholics and normal volunteers." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 43, p. 509-18
  5. Seppala T, Linnoila M, Elonen E, Mattila MJ, Makl M (1975) "Effect of tricyclic antidepressants and alcohol on psychomotor skills related to driving." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 17, p. 515-22
  6. Ciraulo DA, Barnhill JG, Jaffe JH, Ciraulo AM, Tarmey MF (1990) "Intravenous pharmacokinetics of 2-hydroxyimipramine in alcoholics and normal controls." J Stud Alcohol, 51, p. 366-72
  7. Ciraulo DA, Alderson LM, Chapron DJ, Jaffe JH, Subbarao B, Kramer PA (1982) "Imipramine disposition in alcoholics." J Clin Psychopharmacol, 2, p. 2-7
Moderate

perphenazine food

Applies to: Duo-Vil (amitriptyline / perphenazine)

GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent use of ethanol and phenothiazines may result in additive CNS depression and psychomotor impairment. Also, ethanol may precipitate dystonic reactions in patients who are taking phenothiazines. The two drugs probably act on different sites in the brain, although the exact mechanism of the interaction is not known.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during phenothiazine therapy.

References (2)
  1. Lutz EG (1976) "Neuroleptic-induced akathisia and dystonia triggered by alcohol." JAMA, 236, p. 2422-3
  2. Freed E (1981) "Alcohol-triggered-neuroleptic-induced tremor, rigidity and dystonia." Med J Aust, 2, p. 44-5
Moderate

lithium food

Applies to: lithium

MONITOR: One study has suggested that caffeine withdrawal may significantly increase blood lithium levels. The mechanism may be involve reversal of a caffeine-induced increase in renal lithium excretion.

MANAGEMENT: When caffeine is eliminated from the diet of lithium-treated patients, caution should be exercised. When caffeine consumption is decreased, close observation for evidence of lithium toxicity and worsening of the psychiatric disorder is recommended. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience symptoms of possible lithium toxicity such as drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, ataxia, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, blurry vision, tinnitus, or increased urination.

References (1)
  1. Mester R, Toren P, Mizrachi I, Wolmer L, Karni N, Weizman A (1995) "Caffeine withdrawal increases lithium blood levels." Biol Psychiatry, 37, p. 348-50
Moderate

amitriptyline food

Applies to: Duo-Vil (amitriptyline / perphenazine)

MONITOR: Smoking cessation may lead to elevated plasma concentrations and enhanced pharmacologic effects of drugs that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 (and possibly CYP450 1A1) and/or certain drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., flecainide, pentazocine). One proposed mechanism is related to the loss of CYP450 1A2 and 1A1 induction by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tobacco smoke; when smoking cessation agents are initiated and smoking stops, the metabolism of certain drugs may decrease leading to increased plasma concentrations. The mechanism by which smoking cessation affects narrow therapeutic index drugs that are not known substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1 is unknown. The clinical significance of this interaction is unknown as clinical data are lacking.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available, caution is advisable if smoking cessation agents are used concomitantly with drugs that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1 and/or those with a narrow therapeutic range. Patients receiving smoking cessation agents may require periodic dose adjustments and closer clinical and laboratory monitoring of medications that are substrates of CYP450 1A2 or 1A1.

References (4)
  1. (2024) "Product Information. Cytisine (cytisinicline)." Consilient Health Ltd
  2. jeong sh, Newcombe D, sheridan j, Tingle M (2015) "Pharmacokinetics of cytisine, an a4 b2 nicotinic receptor partial agonist, in healthy smokers following a single dose." Drug Test Anal, 7, p. 475-82
  3. Vaughan DP, Beckett AH, Robbie DS (1976) "The influence of smoking on the intersubject variation in pentazocine elimination." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 3, p. 279-83
  4. Zevin S, Benowitz NL (1999) "Drug interactions with tobacco smoking: an update" Clin Pharmacokinet, 36, p. 425-38

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.

See also

Report options

Loading...
QR code containing a link to this page

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.

Medical Disclaimer