Drug interactions
Dextroamphetamine transdermal + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Dextroamphetamine transdermal 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 has serotonergic effects. Together they may rarely cause serotonin syndrome, with agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and autonomic instability. Risk is greatest when starting or increasing doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dextroamphetamine transdermal 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 activity from amphetamine-induced monoamine release and lithium enhancement of serotonergic transmission.
What to do
Start dextroamphetamine at a low dose and monitor for serotonin syndrome signs during initiation and dose increases. Remove the patch and stop serotonergic agents if serotonin syndrome occurs.
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 Dextroamphetamine transdermal with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dextroamphetamine transdermal 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 has serotonergic effects. Together they may rarely cause serotonin syndrome, with agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and autonomic instability. Risk is greatest when starting or increasing doses.
How serious is the interaction between Dextroamphetamine transdermal 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: Start dextroamphetamine at a low dose and monitor for serotonin syndrome signs during initiation and dose increases. Remove the patch and stop serotonergic agents if serotonin syndrome 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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