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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
FLUOXETINE AND CARBAMAZEPINE TAKEN TOGETHER
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS MD - RG, Oct 29, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Daniela,
Patient on stable doses of carbamazepine may develop elevated blood concentrations of carbamazepine following the addition of flouxetine. This is due to the inhibiting effect of fluoxetine to a liver enzyme necessary to metabolize carbamazepine called cytochrome 450 IIIA4. If this occurs, it can be easily resolved by changing the dose of carbamazepine. These agents are commonly and safely given together.
I advise to re-consult your physician regarding your current symptomatology.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD - RG
Patient on stable doses of carbamazepine may develop elevated blood concentrations of carbamazepine following the addition of flouxetine. This is due to the inhibiting effect of fluoxetine to a liver enzyme necessary to metabolize carbamazepine called cytochrome 450 IIIA4. If this occurs, it can be easily resolved by changing the dose of carbamazepine. These agents are commonly and safely given together.
I advise to re-consult your physician regarding your current symptomatology.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD - RG
