Drug Interactions between fluoxetine / olanzapine and galantamine

MONITOR: It is uncertain whether olanzapine causes clinically significant prolongation of the QT interval. In pooled studies of adults as well as pooled studies of adolescents, there were no significant differences between olanzapine and placebo in the proportion of patients experiencing potentially important changes in ECG parameters, including QT, QTcF (Fridericia-corrected), and PR intervals. In clinical trials, clinically meaningful QTc prolongations (QTcF >=500 msec at any time post-baseline in patients with baseline QTcF <500 msec) occurred in 0.1% to 1% of patients treated with olanzapine, with no significant differences in associated cardiac events compared to placebo. Published studies have generally reported no significant effect of olanzapine on QTc interval, although both QTc prolongation and QTc shortening have also been reported. There have been a few isolated case reports of QT prolongation in patients receiving olanzapine. However, causality is difficult to establish due to confounding factors such as concomitant use of drugs that cause QT prolongation and underlying conditions that may predispose to QT prolongation (e.g., hypokalemia, congenital long QT syndrome, preexisting conduction abnormalities).

MANAGEMENT: Some authorities recommend caution when olanzapine is used with drugs that are known to cause QT prolongation. ECG monitoring may be advisable in some cases, such as in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias or congenital or family history of long QT syndrome. Patients should be advised to 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.

MONITOR: Coadministration with potent inhibitors of CYP450 2D6 and/or 3A4 may increase the plasma concentrations of galantamine, which is also an active metabolite of benzgalantamine. Up to 75% of galantamine is eliminated via metabolism and in vitro studies have identified CYP450 2D6 and 3A4 as the major isoenzymes involved. The systemic exposure (AUC) of galantamine (4 mg, 8 mg, or 12 mg twice daily) increased by 40%, 45%, and 48%, respectively, when administered to healthy volunteers (n=16) also receiving the strong CYP450 2D6 inhibitor paroxetine. Similarly, the strong CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (200 mg twice daily) increased the AUC of galantamine (4 mg twice daily) by 30% when given concurrently to study subjects (n=16). An increase in the AUC of galantamine can increase the risk of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor-related adverse effects. One potential side effect of galantamine is bradycardia, which may increase the risk of QT prolongation. If the inhibitor being coadministered is also associated with QT prolongation (e.g., adagrasib, ceritinib, fluoxetine, ketoconazole, levoketoconazole, mifepristone), the risk of experiencing this adverse effect may be further increased.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and closer monitoring of the pharmacologic response to galantamine and its prodrug benzgalantamine is advised whenever a potent CYP450 2D6 and/or 3A4 inhibitor is added to or withdrawn from therapy. Some authorities suggest considering a reduction in the galantamine dose for patients on concurrent potent CYP450 2D6 and/or 3A4 inhibitors. Patients should be monitored more closely for acetylcholinesterase inhibitor related adverse effects including vagotonic effects on the heart rate (e.g., bradycardia, which may increase the risk of QT prolongation, and heart block), neurologic side effects (e.g., seizure activity), respiratory distress, bladder outflow obstruction, dizziness or syncope, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These effects may be more severe when the coadministered inhibitor shares a similar adverse effect profile with galantamine.

GENERALLY AVOID: Due to opposing effects, agents that possess anticholinergic activity (e.g., sedating antihistamines; antispasmodics; neuroleptics; phenothiazines; skeletal muscle relaxants; tricyclic antidepressants; class IA antiarrhythmics especially disopyramide; carbamazepine; cimetidine; ranitidine) may negate the already small pharmacologic benefits of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of dementia. These agents may also adversely affect elderly patients in general. Clinically significant mental status changes associated with anticholinergic agents can range from mild cognitive impairment to delirium, and patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia are especially sensitive.

MANAGEMENT: Drugs that possess anticholinergic activity should generally be avoided in patients with Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive impairment, regardless of whether they are receiving an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. For patients requiring treatment to counteract adverse effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor therapy (e.g., gastrointestinal intolerance, urinary problems), an agent without anticholinergic properties should be used whenever possible. Otherwise, a dosage reduction, slower titration, or even discontinuation of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor should be considered. For patients who are already receiving an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with anticholinergic agents, every attempt should be made to discontinue the latter or substitute them with less anticholinergic alternatives. Caution is required, however, since anticholinergic withdrawal may occur. Seizures have been reported following abrupt discontinuation of anticholinergics during acetylcholinesterase inhibitor therapy.