Drug interactions
Dihydroergotamine + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Dihydroergotamine 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
Dihydroergotamine has serotonergic receptor activity, and lithium may enhance serotonergic transmission, so serotonin toxicity is theoretically possible. Documented cases are rare.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dihydroergotamine 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.
Dihydroergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible additive serotonergic effects at 5-HT receptors.
What to do
Monitor for agitation, tremor, clonus, hyperthermia and diarrhea after dosing. Consider alternative migraine therapy if symptoms 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 Dihydroergotamine
- Almotriptan + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dopamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Eletriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dihydroergotamine with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dihydroergotamine 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. Dihydroergotamine has serotonergic receptor activity, and lithium may enhance serotonergic transmission, so serotonin toxicity is theoretically possible. Documented cases are rare.
How serious is the interaction between Dihydroergotamine 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, clonus, hyperthermia and diarrhea after dosing. Consider alternative migraine therapy if symptoms 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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