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6 Interactions found for:

Abilify and Seroquel
Interactions Summary
  • 4 Major
  • 2 Moderate
  • 0 Minor
  • Abilify
  • Seroquel

Drug Interactions

Moderate
Seroquel + Abilify

The following applies to the ingredients: Quetiapine (found in Seroquel) and Aripiprazole (found in Abilify)

GENERALLY AVOID: There is some concern that quetiapine may have additive cardiovascular effects in combination with other drugs that are known to prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram. In clinical trials, quetiapine was not associated with a persistent increase in QT intervals, and there was no statistically significant difference between quetiapine and placebo in the proportions of patients experiencing potentially important changes in ECG parameters including QT, QTc, and PR intervals. However, QT prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported during post marketing use in cases of quetiapine overdose and in patients with risk factors such as underlying illness or concomitant use of drugs known to cause electrolyte imbalance or increase QT interval. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). The extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s). In addition, certain agents with anticholinergic properties (e.g., sedating antihistamines; antispasmodics; neuroleptics; phenothiazines; skeletal muscle relaxants; tricyclic antidepressants) may have additive parasympatholytic and central nervous system-depressant effects when used in combination with quetiapine. Excessive parasympatholytic effects may include paralytic ileus, hyperthermia, mydriasis, blurred vision, tachycardia, urinary retention, psychosis, and seizures.

MONITOR: Coadministration of quetiapine with drugs that possess serotonergic activity (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), etc.) may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition. Combining quetiapine with other serotonergic drugs may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome by relatively enhancing 5-HT1A receptor activity. However, data are currently limited to case reports. In one case report, an 85-year-old woman developed serotonin syndrome within hours of increasing quetiapine from 12.5 mg to 25 mg/day while also taking escitalopram, mirtazapine, sulpiride, and olanzapine; symptoms resolved within 48 hours after the discontinuation of all serotonergic medications. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucination, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of quetiapine with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval should generally be avoided. Caution and clinical monitoring are recommended if concomitant use of quetiapine with other agents that both prolong the QT interval and possess or enhance serotonergic activity is required. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope. Patients should also be monitored closely for, and counseled about the signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome (e.g., altered mental status, hypertension, restlessness, myoclonus, hyperthermia, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, shivering, and tremor), especially during initiation and dose escalations. Due to variability and occasionally prolonged half-lives of these coadministered agents, consulting individual product labeling for specific guidance is advised.

References

  1. "Product Information. Aliquen (QUETIAPine)." Pharmacor Limited (2023):
  2. "Product Information. Mintreleq XL (quetiapine)." Aristo Pharma Ltd (2024):
  3. "Product Information. QUEtiapine Fumarate (QUEtiapine)." XLCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc (2025):
  4. "Product Information. QUEtiapine Fumarate ER (QUEtiapine)." ScieGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2024):
  5. "Product Information. Apo-Quetiapine (quetiapine)." Apotex Inc (2025):
  6. Miyamatsu, Y., Tanizaki, R. "Serotonin syndrome triggered by increasing the dose of quetiapine" Clinical practice and cases in emergency medicine 5 (2021): 365-366
  7. Kohen, I., Gordon, M.L., Manu, P. "Serotonin syndrome in elderly patients treated for psychotic depression with atypical antipsychotics and antidepressants: two case reports" CNS Spectr 12 (2007): 596-8

Drug and Food Interactions

Moderate
Abilify + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Aripiprazole (found in Abilify)

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

References

  1. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P "Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline." Neuropsychobiology 15 (1986): 31-7
  2. Gilman AG, eds., Nies AS, Rall TW, Taylor P "Goodman and Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics." New York, NY: Pergamon Press Inc. (1990):
  3. "Product Information. Fycompa (perampanel)." Eisai Inc (2012):
  4. "Product Information. Rexulti (brexpiprazole)." Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals Inc (2015):

Drug and Pregnancy Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Quetiapine (found in Seroquel)

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

AU TGA pregnancy category: C
US FDA pregnancy category: C

Comments:
-A pregnancy exposure registry is available.
-If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential harm to the fetus.
-Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery.

Animal studies have revealed evidence of embryo-fetal toxicity. Limited published human data have reported no major malformations associated with use during pregnancy. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery. There have been reports of agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress and feeding disorder in these neonates. These complications have varied in severity; while in some cases symptoms have been self-limited, in other cases neonates have required intensive care unit support and prolonged hospitalization. This drug is only recommended for use during pregnancy when there are no alternatives and benefit outweighs risk.

To monitor the outcomes of pregnant women exposed to atypical antipsychotics, a National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics has been established. Physicians are encouraged to register patients and pregnant women are encouraged to register themselves. For additional information: https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/atypicalantipsychotic/.

AU TGA pregnancy category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

References

  1. "Product Information. Seroquel (quetiapine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. "Product Information. Seroquel XR (quetiapine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals (2007):
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

The following applies to the ingredients: Aripiprazole (found in Abilify)

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

AU TGA pregnancy category: C
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Risk summary: There are insufficient data available on use of this drug in pregnant women to inform a drug-related risk.

Comments:
-A pregnancy exposure registry is available.
-If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential harm to the fetus.
-Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery.

Animal studies have revealed evidence of developmental toxicity, including possible teratogenic effects. Congenital anomalies have been reported; however, a causal relationship has not been established. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

There have been reports of agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress and feeding disorder in neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy. These complications have varied in severity; while in some cases symptoms have been self-limited, in other cases neonates have required intensive care unit support and prolonged hospitalization.

To monitor the outcomes of pregnant women exposed to atypical antipsychotics, a National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics has been established. Physicians are encouraged to register patients and pregnant women are encouraged to register themselves. For additional information: http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.

AU TGA pregnancy category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

References

  1. "Product Information. Abilify (aripiprazole)." Bristol-Myers Squibb (2002):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. "Product Information. Abilify Maintena (aripiprazole)." Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals Inc (2013):
  5. "Product Information. Aristada (aripiprazole)." Alkermes, Inc (2015):

Drug and Breastfeeding Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Quetiapine (found in Seroquel)

Use is not recommended, and a decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-If this drug is used, monitor infants for drowsiness and developmental milestones.
-The American Academy of Pediatrics classified other antipsychotic agents as drugs whose effect on the nursing infant is unknown but may be of concern.

Based on milk samples from a mother who received 200 mg daily throughout pregnancy and postpartum, it is estimated that an exclusively breastfed infant would receive 0.09% to 0.43% of a weight-adjusted maternal dose. Limited long-term follow-up of infants exposed to this drug during breastfeeding have shown generally normal development. However, due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants and a lack of robust data, a decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

References

  1. "Product Information. Seroquel (quetiapine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. "Product Information. Seroquel XR (quetiapine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals (2007):
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  5. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
  6. Briggs GG, Freeman RK. "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health (2015):

The following applies to the ingredients: Aripiprazole (found in Abilify)

Use is not recommended; a decision should be made to discontinue breast-feeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comment: The effects on lactation and in the nursing infant are unknown.

Low levels of this drug have been detected in human milk; the maternal weight-adjusted dose calculated from 2 different women provide estimates of 0.7% and 8.3%. This drug is expected to have a minimal effect on serum prolactin levels, however 2 cases of galactorrhea have been reported.

References

  1. "Product Information. Abilify (aripiprazole)." Bristol-Myers Squibb (2002):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. "Product Information. Abilify Maintena (aripiprazole)." Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals Inc (2013):
  5. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
  6. "Product Information. Aristada (aripiprazole)." Alkermes, Inc (2015):

Therapeutic Duplication Warnings

The following applies to: Seroquel (quetiapine), Abilify (aripiprazole)

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'antipsychotics' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines.

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Switch to: Consumer Interactions

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

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