Drug interactions
Desvenlafaxine + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Desvenlafaxine 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 enhances serotonergic neurotransmission and, when given with a serotonergic antidepressant, may precipitate serotonin syndrome. Lithium toxicity may also be a concern with some serotonergic drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desvenlafaxine 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.
Desvenlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic serotonergic effects, with lithium augmenting presynaptic serotonin release and receptor sensitivity.
What to do
Monitor for neuromuscular and autonomic signs of serotonin toxicity, particularly at initiation or dose changes. Check serum lithium levels and renal function periodically.
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 Desvenlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Selegiline Contraindicated
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 Desvenlafaxine with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desvenlafaxine 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 enhances serotonergic neurotransmission and, when given with a serotonergic antidepressant, may precipitate serotonin syndrome. Lithium toxicity may also be a concern with some serotonergic drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Desvenlafaxine 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 neuromuscular and autonomic signs of serotonin toxicity, particularly at initiation or dose changes. Check serum lithium levels and renal function periodically.
What other medicines interact with Desvenlafaxine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desvenlafaxine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Desvenlafaxine page.
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