Drug interactions
Donepezil + Duloxetine
Severity: Minor
Donepezil and Duloxetine: 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
Donepezil is metabolized by CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, so duloxetine may modestly increase donepezil levels. This may heighten cholinergic effects such as nausea, bradycardia and vomiting.
What this interaction means in plain words
Donepezil and Duloxetine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System; Duloxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP2D6-mediated donepezil metabolism by duloxetine.
What to do
Monitor for gastrointestinal effects and bradycardia after starting duloxetine. Adjust the donepezil dose if cholinergic adverse effects occur.
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 Duloxetine
- Duloxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Donepezil with Duloxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Donepezil and Duloxetine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Donepezil is metabolized by CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, so duloxetine may modestly increase donepezil levels. This may heighten cholinergic effects such as nausea, bradycardia and vomiting.
How serious is the interaction between Donepezil and Duloxetine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for gastrointestinal effects and bradycardia after starting duloxetine. Adjust the donepezil dose if cholinergic adverse effects occur.
What other medicines interact with Duloxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Duloxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Duloxetine page.
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