Lithium - Zarontin (Ethosuximide) Interaction
Herbal: Lithium
Also Known As: Carbonate de Lithium, Citrate de Lithium, Lithium Aspartate, Lithium Carbonate, Lithium Citrate, Lithium Gluconate, Lithium Orotate, Lithium Sulfate, Litio, Numéro Atomique 3, Orotate de Lithium
Drug: Ethosuximide
Brand names:
Zarontin
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Ethosuximide is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticonvulsants
Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with anticonvulsants might increase the risk of neurotoxicity.
Drugs such as carbamazepine and phenytoin seem to increase the risk of neurotoxicity. It is unclear if this interaction would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Martindale W. Martindale the Extra Pharmacopoeia. Pharmaceutical Press, 1999.
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
Lithium Overview
Lithium is a chemical element and a type of metal that is present in the diet. It is available as a prescription drug, FDA-approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is also found in some supplement products in small amounts in various forms (e.g., lithium orotate) to help support healthy mental function.
Ethosuximide Overview
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Ethosuximide is used to control absence seizures (petit mal) (a type of seizure in which there is a very short loss of awareness during which the person may stare straight ahead or blink his eyes and does not respond to others). Ethosuximide is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Lithium - More Interactions
Lithium interacts with 511 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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