Drug interactions
Lithium + Sumatriptan intranasal
Severity: Moderate
Lithium and Sumatriptan intranasal: 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
Triptans and lithium both enhance serotonergic transmission, and cases of serotonin syndrome have been reported with such combinations. The risk is low, but symptoms can be serious when they occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium and Sumatriptan intranasal 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 through 5-HT1B/1D agonism and lithium's enhancement of serotonin neurotransmission.
What to do
Counsel the patient on symptoms of serotonin syndrome, including agitation, tremor, diarrhea, sweating and fever. Stop sumatriptan and seek care if these occur.
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 Sumatriptan intranasal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lithium and Sumatriptan intranasal 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. Triptans and lithium both enhance serotonergic transmission, and cases of serotonin syndrome have been reported with such combinations. The risk is low, but symptoms can be serious when they occur.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium and Sumatriptan intranasal?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel the patient on symptoms of serotonin syndrome, including agitation, tremor, diarrhea, sweating and fever. Stop sumatriptan and seek care if these occur.
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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