Drug interactions
Lithium + Lofepramine
Severity: Moderate
Lithium and Lofepramine: 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
Lithium combined with a tricyclic antidepressant like lofepramine may add to serotonergic effects, raising the possibility of serotonin syndrome. Neurotoxicity has also been reported with lithium and tricyclics.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium and Lofepramine 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 effects from lithium and lofepramine, a tricyclic with serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Monitor for tremor, agitation, hyperreflexia and confusion, particularly at initiation and after dose increases. Check serum lithium levels if symptoms of toxicity appear.
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 Lithium with Lofepramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lithium and Lofepramine 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. Lithium combined with a tricyclic antidepressant like lofepramine may add to serotonergic effects, raising the possibility of serotonin syndrome. Neurotoxicity has also been reported with lithium and tricyclics.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium and Lofepramine?
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, agitation, hyperreflexia and confusion, particularly at initiation and after dose increases. Check serum lithium levels if symptoms of toxicity appear.
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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