Drug interactions
Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Lithium
Severity: Minor
Dihydroergotamine intranasal and Lithium: 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
Both agents have serotonergic activity, and lithium can enhance serotonergic transmission. Used together they may add to the risk of serotonin toxicity, although the clinical evidence is limited. Intranasal dihydroergotamine is used intermittently, so exposure is short.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dihydroergotamine intranasal and Lithium have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Possible additive serotonergic effects, supported mainly by theoretical considerations.
What to do
Counsel the patient to report agitation, tremor, sweating, diarrhea or fever after dosing. Stop the serotonergic agents and assess the patient if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
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 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 Dihydroergotamine intranasal with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Dihydroergotamine intranasal and Lithium have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Both agents have serotonergic activity, and lithium can enhance serotonergic transmission. Used together they may add to the risk of serotonin toxicity, although the clinical evidence is limited. Intranasal dihydroergotamine is used intermittently, so exposure is short.
How serious is the interaction between Dihydroergotamine intranasal and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel the patient to report agitation, tremor, sweating, diarrhea or fever after dosing. Stop the serotonergic agents and assess the patient if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
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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