Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR CLOSELY: Escitalopram can cause dose-dependent prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled ECG study consisting of 113 healthy subjects, the change from baseline in QTc (Fridericia-corrected) was 4.3 msec for escitalopram 10 mg/day and 10.7 msec for the supratherapeutic dosage of 30 mg/day. Based on the established exposure-response relationship, the predicted QTc change from placebo under the Cmax for 20 mg/day is 6.6 msec. Cases of QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported during postmarketing use. 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). The extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s). In addition, central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in patients taking escitalopram with certain other drugs that cause these effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is recommended if escitalopram is used in combination with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval. 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. When escitalopram is used in combination with other drugs that cause CNS and/or respiratory depression, patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS and respiratory depression. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their doctor if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

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MONITOR CLOSELY: Concomitant use of agents with serotonergic activity including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and other antidepressants may potentiate the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5-HT1A and 2A receptors. Symptoms of the serotonin syndrome may include 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.

MONITOR CLOSELY: Escitalopram can cause dose-dependent prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval including tricyclic antidepressants and other antidepressants (e.g., trazodone) may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias such as torsade de pointes and sudden death. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled ECG study consisting of 113 healthy subjects, the change from baseline in QTc (Fridericia-corrected) was 4.3 msec for escitalopram 10 mg/day and 10.7 msec for the supratherapeutic dosage of 30 mg/day. Based on the established exposure-response relationship, the predicted QTc change from placebo under the Cmax for 20 mg/day is 6.6 msec. Cases of QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported during postmarketing use. 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). Also, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: In general, the concomitant use of multiple serotonergic agents should be avoided if possible, or otherwise approached with caution if potential benefit is deemed to outweigh the risk. Patients should be closely monitored for symptoms of the serotonin syndrome during treatment. Particular caution is advised when increasing the dosages of these agents. If serotonin syndrome develops or is suspected during the course of therapy, all serotonergic agents should be discontinued immediately and supportive care rendered as necessary. Moderately ill patients may also benefit from the administration of a serotonin antagonist (e.g., cyproheptadine, chlorpromazine). Severe cases should be managed under consultation with a toxicologist and may require sedation, neuromuscular paralysis, intubation, and mechanical ventilation in addition to the other measures. Due to the potential for additive effects on the QT interval, ECG monitoring may also be appropriate when escitalopram is used with tricyclic antidepressants or other antidepressants like trazodone. 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.

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MONITOR: Central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in patients taking multiple drugs that cause these effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients. Sedation and impairment of attention, judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills may increase.

MANAGEMENT: During concomitant use of these drugs, patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS and respiratory depression. Cautious dosage titration may be required, particularly at treatment initiation. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring 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.

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MONITOR: Central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in patients taking multiple drugs that cause these effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients. Sedation and impairment of attention, judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills may increase.

MANAGEMENT: During concomitant use of these drugs, patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS and respiratory depression. Cautious dosage titration may be required, particularly at treatment initiation. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring 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.

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MONITOR: Theoretically, concurrent use of two or more drugs that can cause QT interval prolongation may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. The risk of an individual agent or a combination of these 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 drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Caution and clinical monitoring are recommended if multiple agents associated with QT interval prolongation are prescribed together. 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.

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MONITOR: Central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in patients taking multiple drugs that cause these effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients. Sedation and impairment of attention, judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills may increase.

MANAGEMENT: During concomitant use of these drugs, patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS and respiratory depression. Cautious dosage titration may be required, particularly at treatment initiation. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring 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.

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MONITOR: A case report suggests that lamotrigine may increase the plasma concentrations of risperidone. The mechanism of interaction is unknown. The case patient was a 26-year-old woman with schizophrenia who had been treated with clozapine 550 mg daily for 5 years and risperidone 8 mg daily for 4 weeks. Lamotrigine was added due to inadequate response. The patient's risperidone plasma level was 69 ng/mL while receiving lamotrigine 175 mg/day; 284 ng/mL when lamotrigine was increased to 200 mg/day; and 412 ng/mL at lamotrigine 225 mg/day. The patient complained of dizziness and tiredness. Risperidone dosage was reduced to 2 mg/day and discontinued a week later. Pharmacodynamically, additive central nervous system depression may also occur when these drugs are used in combination, resulting in impairment of judgment, thinking, and/or psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Until more data are available, caution is advised if risperidone must be used in combination with lamotrigine. Pharmacologic response and serum risperidone levels should be monitored more closely whenever lamotrigine is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the risperidone dosage adjusted as necessary. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience potential signs and symptoms of risperidone toxicity such as excessive sedation, dizziness, tachycardia, seizures, and extrapyramidal symptoms. Ambulatory patients should also be counseled to avoid activities requiring mental alertness (e.g., driving or operating hazardous machinery) until they know how these agents affect them.

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MONITOR: The efficacy of anticonvulsants may be diminished during coadministration with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs). Antidepressants including SSRIs and SNRIs can reduce seizure threshold. In clinical trials, convulsions have typically been reported in 0.1% to 0.3% of patients receiving SSRIs for major depressive disorders. There have been rare reports of prolonged seizures in patients on fluoxetine receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

MONITOR: Coadministration of SSRIs or SNRIs may potentiate the central nervous system (CNS) adverse effects of anticonvulsants such as somnolence and cognitive and psychomotor impairment.

MONITOR: Coadministration of SSRIs or SNRIs with some anticonvulsants, particularly carbamazepine, eslicarbazepine, oxcarbazepine and valproic acid, may increase the risk of hyponatremia. Treatment with SSRIs or SNRIs has been associated with hyponatremia, which may be due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) in many cases. While generally reversible following discontinuation of SSRI/SNRI treatment, cases with serum sodium lower than 110 mmol/L have been reported. Hyponatremia and SIADH may also result from treatment with some anticonvulsants. The risk appears to be dose-related, and elderly patients and patients who are volume depleted (e.g., diuretic use) may be at greater risk.

MANAGEMENT: SSRIs and SNRIs should be avoided in patients with unstable epilepsy, and used cautiously in patients with epilepsy controlled with anticonvulsant medications. Treatment with SSRIs and SNRIs should be discontinued if seizures develop or seizure frequency increases. Patients receiving SSRIs or SNRIs with anticonvulsants, particularly carbamazepine, eslicarbazepine, oxcarbazepine and/or valproic acid, should also have serum sodium levels measured regularly and monitored for development of hyponatremia, particularly when higher dosages of these medications are used. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include nausea, vomiting, headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, malaise, lethargy, muscle weakness or spasms, and unsteadiness. In more severe and/or acute cases, hallucination, syncope, seizure, coma, respiratory arrest, and death may occur. Discontinuation of SSRIs and SNRIs should be considered in patients who develop symptomatic hyponatremia, and appropriate medical intervention instituted. All patients receiving concomitant therapy with SSRIs or SNRIs and anticonvulsants should be counseled against driving, operating machinery, or engaging in potentially hazardous activities requiring 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.

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MONITOR: Central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in patients taking multiple drugs that cause these effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients. Sedation and impairment of attention, judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills may increase.

MANAGEMENT: During concomitant use of these drugs, patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS and respiratory depression. Cautious dosage titration may be required, particularly at treatment initiation. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring 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.

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MONITOR: The efficacy of anticonvulsants may be diminished during coadministration with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs). Antidepressants including SSRIs and SNRIs can reduce seizure threshold. In clinical trials, convulsions have typically been reported in 0.1% to 0.3% of patients receiving SSRIs for major depressive disorders. There have been rare reports of prolonged seizures in patients on fluoxetine receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

MONITOR: Coadministration of SSRIs or SNRIs may potentiate the central nervous system (CNS) adverse effects of anticonvulsants such as somnolence and cognitive and psychomotor impairment.

MONITOR: Coadministration of SSRIs or SNRIs with some anticonvulsants, particularly carbamazepine, eslicarbazepine, oxcarbazepine and valproic acid, may increase the risk of hyponatremia. Treatment with SSRIs or SNRIs has been associated with hyponatremia, which may be due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) in many cases. While generally reversible following discontinuation of SSRI/SNRI treatment, cases with serum sodium lower than 110 mmol/L have been reported. Hyponatremia and SIADH may also result from treatment with some anticonvulsants. The risk appears to be dose-related, and elderly patients and patients who are volume depleted (e.g., diuretic use) may be at greater risk.

MANAGEMENT: SSRIs and SNRIs should be avoided in patients with unstable epilepsy, and used cautiously in patients with epilepsy controlled with anticonvulsant medications. Treatment with SSRIs and SNRIs should be discontinued if seizures develop or seizure frequency increases. Patients receiving SSRIs or SNRIs with anticonvulsants, particularly carbamazepine, eslicarbazepine, oxcarbazepine and/or valproic acid, should also have serum sodium levels measured regularly and monitored for development of hyponatremia, particularly when higher dosages of these medications are used. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include nausea, vomiting, headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, malaise, lethargy, muscle weakness or spasms, and unsteadiness. In more severe and/or acute cases, hallucination, syncope, seizure, coma, respiratory arrest, and death may occur. Discontinuation of SSRIs and SNRIs should be considered in patients who develop symptomatic hyponatremia, and appropriate medical intervention instituted. All patients receiving concomitant therapy with SSRIs or SNRIs and anticonvulsants should be counseled against driving, operating machinery, or engaging in potentially hazardous activities requiring 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.

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MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 2C19 may increase the plasma concentrations of escitalopram, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. The interaction has been studied with omeprazole, a potent CYP450 2C19 inhibitor. In study subjects, administration of a single 20 mg dose of escitalopram on day 5 of treatment with omeprazole 30 mg once daily for 6 days resulted in increases of escitalopram peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by approximately 10% and 50%, respectively. High plasma levels of escitalopram may increase the risk of serious side effects such as QT prolongation, which may lead to arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death, as well as serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5-HT1A and 2A receptors. Symptoms of the serotonin syndrome may include 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.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when escitalopram is used concomitantly with CYP450 2C19 inhibitors. Pharmacologic response to escitalopram should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 2C19 inhibitor is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the escitalopram dosage adjusted as necessary. This may be particularly important in patients receiving escitalopram at the upper end of the dosage range. Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or syncope. Patients should also be closely monitored for symptoms of the serotonin syndrome during treatment.

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GENERALLY AVOID: Risperidone oral solution is not compatible with either tea or cola. In addition, alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of risperidone. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Risperidone oral solution should not be mixed with tea or cola. It may be taken with water, coffee, orange juice, or lowfat milk. Patients should also be advised to avoid consumption of alcohol.

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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.

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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.

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ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may interfere with the absorption of esomeprazole. The manufacturer reports that the area under the concentration-time curve for esomeprazole following a single 40 mg dose was 33% to 53% lower when administered after food intake as opposed to during fasting conditions.

MANAGEMENT: Esomeprazole should be taken at least one hour before meals. When administered to patients receiving continuous enteral nutrition, some experts recommend that the tube feeding should be interrupted for at least 1 hour before and 1 hour after the dose of esomeprazole is given.

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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.

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GENERALLY AVOID: Acute ethanol ingestion may potentiate the CNS effects of many benzodiazepines. Tolerance may develop with chronic ethanol use. The mechanism may be decreased clearance of the benzodiazepines because of CYP450 hepatic enzyme inhibition. Also, it has been suggested that the cognitive deficits induced by benzodiazepines may be increased in patients who chronically consume large amounts of alcohol.

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

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The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'Central Nervous System (CNS) Drugs' category to be taken concurrently is usually three. Your list includes five medicines belonging to the 'Central Nervous System (CNS) Drugs' category:

• clonazepam
• escitalopram
• lamotrigine
• risperidone
• venlafaxine

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'psychotropic agents' category to be taken concurrently is usually three. Your list includes four medicines belonging to the 'psychotropic agents' category:

• clonazepam
• escitalopram
• risperidone
• venlafaxine

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'antidepressants' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'antidepressants' category:

• escitalopram
• venlafaxine

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.