Posted by SLS on June 5, 2006, at 14:41:00
In reply to How is Lithium added to an MAOI?, posted by Caedmon on June 4, 2006, at 21:24:21
Hi Chris.
> Anyone know? I know there is some risk of serotonin syndrome. I can't imagine it's done the same way as with an SSRI or TCA, or is it?
In general, Parnate + lithium has been considered to be a safe and effective combination. The risk of serotonin syndrome seems to be very low. I am not aware of any special protocol for initiating treatment with lithium while Parnate is onboard. When using lithium to augment antidepressants in treating unipolar depression, it is not necessary to use high dosages. A range of 300-600mg is considered to be effective. This range might also be effective for bipolar depression, but would be too low to treat mania. Sometimes, the addition of lithium can produce a response within three days. I don't think Parnate potentiates lithium toxicity. It probably makes sense to check the blood level occasionally just to be sure.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:652982
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060604/msgs/653256.html