Drug interactions
Desflurane + Fluoxetine
Severity: Minor
Desflurane and Fluoxetine: 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
Volatile anesthetics such as desflurane can prolong the QT interval, and fluoxetine has a mild QT effect. The combined effect is usually small but adds to perioperative arrhythmia risk in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desflurane and Fluoxetine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Desflurane belongs to Central Nervous System; Fluoxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive, generally modest effects on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Continue fluoxetine perioperatively as usual and inform the anesthesia team. Monitor ECG during surgery and keep electrolytes normal in patients with other QT risk factors.
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 Fluoxetine
- Fluoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desflurane with Fluoxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desflurane and Fluoxetine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Volatile anesthetics such as desflurane can prolong the QT interval, and fluoxetine has a mild QT effect. The combined effect is usually small but adds to perioperative arrhythmia risk in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Desflurane and Fluoxetine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Continue fluoxetine perioperatively as usual and inform the anesthesia team. Monitor ECG during surgery and keep electrolytes normal in patients with other QT risk factors.
What other medicines interact with Fluoxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fluoxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Mavacamten, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Fluoxetine page.
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