Drug interactions
Dextroamphetamine + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Dextroamphetamine 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
Amphetamines increase release of serotonin and other monoamines, and lithium may enhance serotonergic function, so serotonin toxicity is theoretically possible. Lithium may also blunt the stimulant effects of amphetamines, and cases are uncommon.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dextroamphetamine 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.
Dextroamphetamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from amphetamine-induced monoamine release and lithium's modulation of serotonin neurotransmission.
What to do
Monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, tachycardia and diarrhea after starting or increasing the stimulant. Reduce or stop the stimulant if features of serotonin toxicity occur.
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
Other interactions of Dextroamphetamine
- Dextroamphetamine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dextroamphetamine with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dextroamphetamine 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. Amphetamines increase release of serotonin and other monoamines, and lithium may enhance serotonergic function, so serotonin toxicity is theoretically possible. Lithium may also blunt the stimulant effects of amphetamines, and cases are uncommon.
How serious is the interaction between Dextroamphetamine 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 agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, tachycardia and diarrhea after starting or increasing the stimulant. Reduce or stop the stimulant if features of serotonin toxicity occur.
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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