Skip to Content
Looking to save on your medications?  Find out how 

7 Interactions found for:

gabapentin and Cymbalta
Interactions Summary
  • 4 Major
  • 3 Moderate
  • 0 Minor
  • gabapentin
  • Cymbalta

Drug Interactions

Moderate
Gabapentin + Cymbalta

The following applies to the ingredients: Gabapentin and Duloxetine (found in Cymbalta)

MONITOR: The efficacy of anticonvulsants may be diminished during coadministration with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs). Antidepressants including SSRIs and SNRIs can reduce seizure threshold. In clinical trials, convulsions have typically been reported in 0.1% to 0.3% of patients receiving SSRIs for major depressive disorders. There have been rare reports of prolonged seizures in patients on fluoxetine receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

MONITOR: Coadministration of SSRIs or SNRIs may potentiate the central nervous system (CNS) adverse effects of anticonvulsants such as somnolence and cognitive and psychomotor impairment.

MONITOR: Coadministration of SSRIs or SNRIs with some anticonvulsants, particularly carbamazepine, eslicarbazepine, oxcarbazepine and valproic acid, may increase the risk of hyponatremia. Treatment with SSRIs or SNRIs has been associated with hyponatremia, which may be due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) in many cases. While generally reversible following discontinuation of SSRI/SNRI treatment, cases with serum sodium lower than 110 mmol/L have been reported. Hyponatremia and SIADH may also result from treatment with some anticonvulsants. The risk appears to be dose-related, and elderly patients and patients who are volume depleted (e.g., diuretic use) may be at greater risk.

MANAGEMENT: SSRIs and SNRIs should be avoided in patients with unstable epilepsy, and used cautiously in patients with epilepsy controlled with anticonvulsant medications. Treatment with SSRIs and SNRIs should be discontinued if seizures develop or seizure frequency increases. Patients receiving SSRIs or SNRIs with anticonvulsants, particularly carbamazepine, eslicarbazepine, oxcarbazepine and/or valproic acid, should also have serum sodium levels measured regularly and monitored for development of hyponatremia, particularly when higher dosages of these medications are used. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include nausea, vomiting, headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, malaise, lethargy, muscle weakness or spasms, and unsteadiness. In more severe and/or acute cases, hallucination, syncope, seizure, coma, respiratory arrest, and death may occur. Discontinuation of SSRIs and SNRIs should be considered in patients who develop symptomatic hyponatremia, and appropriate medical intervention instituted. All patients receiving concomitant therapy with SSRIs or SNRIs and anticonvulsants should be counseled against driving, operating machinery, or engaging in potentially hazardous activities requiring 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. "Product Information. Tegretol (carbamazepine)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2002):
  2. "Product Information. Zoloft (sertraline)." Roerig Division PROD (2001):
  3. "Product Information. Prozac (fluoxetine)." Dista Products Company PROD (2001):
  4. "Product Information. Effexor (venlafaxine)." Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories PROD (2001):
  5. "Product Information. Paxil (paroxetine)." GlaxoSmithKline PROD (2001):
  6. "Product Information. Luvox (fluvoxamine)." Solvay Pharmaceuticals Inc PROD (2001):
  7. "Product Information. Celexa (citalopram)." Forest Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  8. "Product Information. Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  9. "Product Information. Lexapro (escitalopram)." Forest Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  10. "Product Information. Cymbalta (duloxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2004):
  11. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  12. "Product Information. Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)." Wyeth Laboratories (2008):
  13. "Product Information. Savella (milnacipran)." Forest Pharmaceuticals (2009):
  14. "Product Information. Fetzima (levomilnacipran)." Forest Pharmaceuticals (2013):
  15. "Product Information. Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)." Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc (2013):
  16. Belcastro V, Costa C, Striano P "Levetiracetam-associated hyponatremia." Seizure 17 (2008): 389-90
  17. Bavbek N, Alkan R, Uz E, Kaftan O, Akcay A "Hyponatremia associated with sodium valproate in a 22-year-old male." Nephrol Dial Transplant 23 (2008): epub
  18. Patel KR, Meesala A, Stanilla JK "Sodium valproate-induced hyponatremia: a case report." Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry 12 (2010): epub
  19. Gandhi S, McArthur E, Mamdani MM, et al. "Antiepileptic drugs and hyponatremia in older adults: Two population-based cohort studies." Epilepsia 57 (2016): 2067-79
  20. Falhammar H, Lindh JD, Calissendorff J, et al. "Differences in associations of antiepileptic drugs and hospitalization due to hyponatremia: A population-based case-control study." Seizure 59 (2018): 28-33

Drug and Food Interactions

Moderate
Gabapentin + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Gabapentin

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):

Moderate
Cymbalta + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Duloxetine (found in Cymbalta)

GENERALLY AVOID: Use of duloxetine in conjunction with chronic alcohol consumption may potentiate the risk of liver injury. Duloxetine alone can increase serum transaminase levels. In clinical trials, 0.3% of patients discontinued duloxetine due to liver transaminase elevations. The median time to detection was about two months. Three duloxetine-treated patients had liver injury as manifested by transaminase and bilirubin elevations, with evidence of obstruction. Substantial intercurrent ethanol use was present in each of these cases, which may have contributed to the abnormalities observed. Duloxetine does not appear to enhance the central nervous system effects of alcohol. When duloxetine and ethanol were administered several hours apart so that peak concentrations of each would coincide, duloxetine did not increase the impairment of mental and motor skills caused by alcohol.

MANAGEMENT: Due to the risk of liver injury, patients prescribed duloxetine should be counseled to avoid excessive use of alcohol. Duloxetine should generally not be prescribed to patients with substantial alcohol use.

References

  1. "Product Information. Cymbalta (duloxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2004):

Drug and Pregnancy Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Gabapentin

Benefits should clearly outweigh risks

AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned

Risk Summary: There are no data on the developmental risks associated with use of this drug in pregnant women; in animal studies, developmental toxicity was observed at doses estimated to be similar or lower than those used clinically.

Comments:
-The risk of having a child with a congenital defect as a result of antiepileptic medication is far outweighed by the dangers to the mother and fetus of uncontrolled epilepsy; folic acid supplementation (5 mg) should be started 4 weeks prior to and continued for 12 weeks after conception.
-Women of childbearing potential should receive counseling on the risk of fetal abnormalities with use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during pregnancy; AEDs should generally be continued during pregnancy utilizing monotherapy at the lowest effective dose as this has been shown to minimize risks of fetal abnormalities compared to combination AED therapy.
-A pregnancy exposure registry is available.

Animal studies have revealed evidence of developmental toxicity (increased fetal skeletal and visceral abnormalities, and increased embryofetal mortality) when administered at doses similar to, or lower than expected clinical doses. In rats, an increased incidence of hydroureter and/or hydronephrosis have been observed in offspring at all doses, the lowest dose being similar to the maximum recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis. This drug crosses the human placenta. From the limited amount of data in human pregnancy, it is not possible to inform an associated increased risk of congenital malformations because epilepsy itself and the presence of concomitant antiepileptic medicinal products have their own risks. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

To provide information regarding the effects of in utero exposure to this drug, pregnant patients should be encouraged to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. This can be done by calling the toll-free number 1-888-233-2334 and must be done by patients themselves. Information on the registry can also be found at the website http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/.

AU TGA pregnancy category B3: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.

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. Neurontin (gabapentin)." Parke-Davis PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. "Product Information. Horizant (gabapentin)." GlaxoSmithKline (2021):
  5. "Product Information. Gralise (gabapentin)." Depomed Inc (2021):

The following applies to the ingredients: Duloxetine (found in Cymbalta)

This drug should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Risk summary: Observational study data have not produced clear drug-associated risks regarding adverse events or major birth defects.

Comments:
-A pregnancy exposure registry is available.
-Neonates exposed to this drug late in the third trimester may require respiratory support, tube feeding, and/or prolonged hospitalization.
-Exposed neonates should be monitored after delivery for direct toxic effects of this drug, drug discontinuation syndrome, and serotonin syndrome.
-Women who discontinued antidepressant use during pregnancy were more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continued antidepressant use.

Animal studies have revealed increased perinatal toxicity and fetotoxicity at doses potentially correlated with maternal toxicity. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

Some neonates exposed to SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), or SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) late in the third trimester had clinical findings including respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. This clinical picture is consistent with either direct toxic effect of SSRIs and SNRIs, drug discontinuation syndrome, or serotonin syndrome.

A less than 2-fold increase in postpartum hemorrhage was determined by observational data in patients exposed to the drug within 1 month before birth.

A study of women with a history of major depression who were euthymic at the beginning of pregnancy, showed women who discontinued antidepressant medication during pregnancy were more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continued antidepressant medication.

To monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to antidepressant therapy, a National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants has been established. Healthcare providers are encouraged to prospectively register patients. For additional information: https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/

Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients receiving Cymbalta by calling the Cymbalta Pregnancy Registry at 1-866-814-6975 or by visiting www.cymbaltapregnancyregistry.com.

AU TGA pregnancy category B3: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.

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. Cymbalta (duloxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2004):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

Drug and Breastfeeding Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Gabapentin

Benefits should clearly outweigh risks

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-Breastfed infants should be monitored for drowsiness, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones, especially when used in combination with other anticonvulsant or psychotropic drugs and in younger, exclusively breastfed infants.
-Some authorities suggest discontinuing nursing or discontinuing use of this drug while breastfeeding due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed infant.

With maternal doses up to 2.1 g/day, estimated doses for fully breastfed infants are 0.2 to 1.3 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 1.3 to 3.8% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose). An expert panel has deemed this drug is an acceptable choice for refractory restless leg syndrome during lactation. Until more data becomes available, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for this drug and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from this drug or from the underlying maternal condition.

References

  1. "Product Information. Neurontin (gabapentin)." Parke-Davis PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
  5. "Product Information. Horizant (gabapentin)." GlaxoSmithKline (2021):
  6. "Product Information. Gralise (gabapentin)." Depomed Inc (2021):

The following applies to the ingredients: Duloxetine (found in Cymbalta)

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:
-Some experts state that a more thoroughly studied alternative agent (e.g., nortriptyline, paroxetine, sertraline) may be preferred while breastfeeding premature or neonates.
-The American Academy of Pediatrics classifies other antidepressants as agents for which the effect on nursing infants is unknown but may be of concern.
-Exposed infants should be monitored for developmental milestones, feeding, sedation, weight gain, especially in younger infants who are exclusively breastfed and/or when breastfed infants are exposed to multiple antipsychotropic agents.

The estimated neonatal dose is approximately 0.1% to 0.3% of the maternal dose.

References

  1. "Product Information. Cymbalta (duloxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2004):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
  5. Briggs GG, Freeman RK. "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health (2015):
  6. National Library of Medicine (US) "Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/" (2019):

Therapeutic Duplication Warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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.

Disclaimer: This content should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a call or visit to a healthcare professional. Use of this content is subject to our terms of use & medical disclaimer.