Drug interactions
Dosulepin + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Dosulepin 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
Combining lithium with a tricyclic antidepressant such as dosulepin may increase the risk of neurotoxicity, tremor and serotonergic effects, and older adults are particularly susceptible. Dosulepin also carries cardiac toxicity and anticholinergic burden, which add to concern in this population.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dosulepin 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.
Dosulepin belongs to Central Nervous System; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Probable additive serotonergic and central neurotoxic effects; the mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Monitor for tremor, confusion, ataxia and serotonergic symptoms, and check serum lithium if neurological signs appear. In elderly patients consider a safer antidepressant alternative.
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 Dosulepin
- Dosulepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Dosulepin Major
- Buprenorphine + Dosulepin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dosulepin with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dosulepin 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. Combining lithium with a tricyclic antidepressant such as dosulepin may increase the risk of neurotoxicity, tremor and serotonergic effects, and older adults are particularly susceptible. Dosulepin also carries cardiac toxicity and anticholinergic burden, which add to concern in this population.
How serious is the interaction between Dosulepin 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 tremor, confusion, ataxia and serotonergic symptoms, and check serum lithium if neurological signs appear. In elderly patients consider a safer antidepressant alternative.
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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