An overview of psychotropic drug-drug interactions.
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.
Sandson
Neil B
NB
Division of Education and Residency Training, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Towson, MD, USA.
Armstrong
Scott C
SC
Cozza
Kelly L
KL
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011570:Psychiatry; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs