An overview of psychotropic drug-drug interactions

Psychosomatics. 2005 Sep-Oct;46(5):464-94. doi: 10.1176/appi.psy.46.5.464.

Abstract

The psychotropic drug-drug interactions most likely to be relevant to psychiatrists' practices are examined. The metabolism and the enzymatic and P-glycoprotein inhibition/induction profiles of all antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers are described; all clinically meaningful drug-drug interactions between agents in these psychotropic classes, as well as with frequently encountered nonpsychotropic agents, are detailed; and information on the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic results, mechanisms, and clinical consequences of these interactions is presented. Although the range of drug-drug interactions involving psychotropic agents is large, it is a finite and manageable subset of the much larger domain of all possible drug-drug interactions. Sophisticated computer programs will ultimately provide the best means of avoiding drug-drug interactions. Until these programs are developed, the best defense against drug-drug interactions is awareness and focused attention to this issue.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Drug Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychotropic Drugs* / adverse effects
  • Psychotropic Drugs* / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Psychotropic Drugs