Drug interactions
Cocaine + Lithium
Severity: Minor
Cocaine and Lithium: minor 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
Systemic cocaine inhibits serotonin reuptake and has sympathomimetic and arrhythmogenic effects, which could add to lithium's serotonergic effects. Topical medical use has low systemic exposure, so the practical risk is small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cocaine and Lithium have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cocaine belongs to Central Nervous System; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible additive serotonergic effects from cocaine reuptake inhibition; systemic exposure from topical use is low.
What to do
No action is needed for topical use at standard doses. Monitor for serotonergic symptoms if substantial systemic exposure occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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
Other interactions of Cocaine
- Cocaine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cocaine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Cocaine Major
- Bisoprolol + Cocaine Major
- Citalopram + Cocaine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cocaine with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cocaine and Lithium have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Systemic cocaine inhibits serotonin reuptake and has sympathomimetic and arrhythmogenic effects, which could add to lithium's serotonergic effects. Topical medical use has low systemic exposure, so the practical risk is small.
How serious is the interaction between Cocaine and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No action is needed for topical use at standard doses. Monitor for serotonergic symptoms if substantial systemic exposure occurs.
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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