Posted by Sunnely on October 7, 2001, at 22:48:00
In reply to Nimodipine interactions, posted by Anna P. on October 1, 2001, at 12:28:38
> I plan on trying Nimodipine. I'm currently on:
> Lithium, Trilafon and Reboxetine.
> Are there any drug interactions if I add Nimodipine to my combination?
>
> Anna P.*********************
Nimodipine (Nimotop) belongs in the class of calcium channel blockers (CCBs). The combined use of a CCB such as verapmil (Calan, Verelan) and dilitiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, Dilacor) had been reported to cause unpredictable increase or decrease in lithium effect. The exact mechanism is unknown. It is clinically prudent to check the lithium level prior to and a few days after adding nimodipine to lithium.
There have been rare reports of neurotoxicity with the combined use of lithium and verapamil as this CCB crosses the blood-brain barrier. Also, there were some reports of cardiotoxicity with the combined use of lithium and verapamil. The exact mechanism is unknown.
Nimodipine itself has a considerable effect on the cerebral ( brain) arteries. Lithium itself can cause heart effects including slowing of the heart rate (bradycardia) and even heart block.
I don't know if these reported adverse effects with the combined use of verapamil (and diltiazem) and lithium have been reported with the combination of nimodipine and lithium. It will be clinically prudent to do an electrocardiogram first before combining the two and periodically during treatment.
poster:Sunnely
thread:79981
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011007/msgs/80593.html