Lithium - Verapamil 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: Verapamil
Brand names:
Isoptin SR, Verelan, Isoptin, Calan SR, Verelan SR, Calan, Covera HS, Verap, Veramil
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Verapamil is classified as belonging to the following category: Calcium Channel Blockers
Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with calcium channel blockers might reduce lithium levels and might also increase the risk of certain adverse effects.
Calcium channel blockers might reduce lithium concentrations. Monitor lithium levels with concurrent use. Calcium channel blockers might also increase the adverse neurological and gastrointestinal adverse effects of lithium. It is unclear if these interactions 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.
Verapamil Overview
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Verapamil is used to treat high blood pressure and to control angina (chest pain). The immediate-release tablets are also used alone or with other medications to prevent and treat irregular heartbeats. Verapamil is in a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart and slows electrical activity in the heart to control the heart rate.
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High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
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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