Helpful Insights forPatients and Caregivers

What You Need to Know about Psychiatric Medications

Key Reminders

When starting a new medication, it is always important to share this information with your doctor and pharmacist.  While it may be safe with one medication, others may become toxic or less effective. They can provide more information regarding potentially harmful combinations and how to manage them.  For example, did you know these combinations could be dangerous if not carefully managed?

  • Lithium with NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) or certain blood pressure medications (lisinopril)
  • Clozapine and cigarette smoking
  • Benzodiazepine anti-anxiety medications (alprazolam, lorazepam) and opioid pain medications (hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine)
  • Antacids and certain antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, fluphenazine)

Resources

  1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Visit niaaa.nih.gov to learn more
    • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (NCCIH): Visit nccih.nih.gov to learn more about complementary health information
    • Substance abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA): Call the national line for help at 1-800-622-HELP (4357)
    • Your local pharmacist or mental health provider

    References

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    4. Azofeifa A, Mattson ME, Schauer G, McAfee T, Grant A, Lyerla R. National Estimates of Marijuana Use and Related Indicators - National Survey on Drug Use and Health, United States, 2002-2014. Mmwr Surveill. Summ. 2016;65(11):1-28. DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.ss6511a1. PubMed PMID: 27584586.
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    6. Gilbert CR, Baram M, and Cavarocchi NC. “Smoking Wet”: Respiratory Failure Related to Smoking Tainted Marijuana Cigarettes. Tex Heart Inst J. 2013; 40(1):64-7.
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    9. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Valerian: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Office of Dietary Supplements Web site. Accessed at http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Valerian-HealthProfessional/ on January 22, 2018.
    10. Flockhart DA. Dietary restrictions and drug interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors: an update. J Clin Psychiatry. 2012;73 Suppl 1:17-24. DOI: 10.4088/JCP.11096su1c.03. PubMed PMID: 22951238.
    11. Saphris (asenapine) [package insert]. Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA; 2017.
    12. Lithium carbonate [package insert]. Roxane Laboratories. Columbus, Ohio; 2011.