Drug interactions
Lithium + Procarbazine
Severity: Major
Lithium and Procarbazine: major 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
Procarbazine is a weak monoamine oxidase inhibitor and lithium enhances serotonergic transmission, so the combination may precipitate serotonin syndrome. Features include agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, clonus and autonomic instability.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium and Procarbazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System; Procarbazine belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from MAO inhibition and lithium's enhancement of serotonin neurotransmission.
What to do
Avoid the combination if a suitable alternative exists. If used, monitor closely for signs of serotonin toxicity, especially after starting or increasing doses.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Procarbazine
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lithium with Procarbazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lithium and Procarbazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Procarbazine is a weak monoamine oxidase inhibitor and lithium enhances serotonergic transmission, so the combination may precipitate serotonin syndrome. Features include agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, clonus and autonomic instability.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium and Procarbazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if a suitable alternative exists. If used, monitor closely for signs of serotonin toxicity, especially after starting or increasing doses.
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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