Drug interactions
Amoxapine + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Amoxapine and Lithium: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Lithium can enhance serotonergic activity and has been associated with serotonin toxicity when combined with antidepressants. Amoxapine has some serotonin reuptake inhibition, so the risk is modest. Lithium also may increase tremor or neurotoxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amoxapine and Lithium can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects, with possible pharmacodynamic neurotoxicity.
What to do
Monitor for tremor, agitation, hyperreflexia, diarrhea and fever, especially when starting or increasing doses. Check lithium levels if neurotoxic signs appear.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amoxapine with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amoxapine and Lithium can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Lithium can enhance serotonergic activity and has been associated with serotonin toxicity when combined with antidepressants. Amoxapine has some serotonin reuptake inhibition, so the risk is modest. Lithium also may increase tremor or neurotoxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Amoxapine and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for tremor, agitation, hyperreflexia, diarrhea and fever, especially when starting or increasing doses. Check lithium levels if neurotoxic signs appear.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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