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7 Interactions found for:

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

Drug Interactions

Moderate
Seroquel + Cymbalta

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

MONITOR: Coadministration of quetiapine with drugs that possess serotonergic activity (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), etc.) may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition. Combining quetiapine with other serotonergic drugs may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome by relatively enhancing 5-HT1A receptor activity. However, data are currently limited to case reports. In one case report, an 85-year-old woman developed serotonin syndrome within hours of increasing quetiapine from 12.5 mg to 25 mg/day while also taking escitalopram, mirtazapine, sulpiride, and olanzapine; symptoms resolved within 48 hours after the discontinuation of all serotonergic medications. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucination, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in patients taking multiple drugs that also cause these effects (e.g., buspirone, desvenlafaxine, dextromethorphan, mianserin, reboxetine).

MANAGEMENT: Some authorities advise caution and closer monitoring for serotonin syndrome when quetiapine is coadministered with other serotonergic agents, especially during initiation and dose escalations. Patients should be instructed to promptly notify their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms of serotonin syndrome. If serotonin syndrome is suspected, a dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy should be considered depending on the severity of the symptoms. If serotonin syndrome develops during therapy, all serotonergic agents should be discontinued immediately, and supportive care rendered as necessary. Due to variability and occasionally prolonged half-lives of these coadministered agents, consulting individual product labeling for specific guidance is advised.

References

  1. "Product Information. Aliquen (QUETIAPine)." Pharmacor Limited (2023):
  2. "Product Information. Mintreleq XL (quetiapine)." Aristo Pharma Ltd (2024):
  3. "Product Information. QUEtiapine Fumarate (QUEtiapine)." XLCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc (2025):
  4. "Product Information. QUEtiapine Fumarate ER (QUEtiapine)." ScieGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2024):
  5. "Product Information. Apo-Quetiapine (quetiapine)." Apotex Inc (2025):
  6. Miyamatsu, Y., Tanizaki, R. "Serotonin syndrome triggered by increasing the dose of quetiapine" Clinical practice and cases in emergency medicine 5 (2021): 365-366
  7. Kohen, I., Gordon, M.L., Manu, P. "Serotonin syndrome in elderly patients treated for psychotic depression with atypical antipsychotics and antidepressants: two case reports" CNS Spectr 12 (2007): 596-8

Drug and Food Interactions

Moderate
Seroquel + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Quetiapine (found in Seroquel)

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice and/or grapefruit may increase the plasma concentrations of quetiapine. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. Inhibition of hepatic CYP450 3A4 may also contribute. The interaction has not been studied with grapefruit juice but has been reported for other CYP450 3A4 inhibitors. For example, in 12 healthy volunteers, administration of a single 25 mg dose of quetiapine with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole (200 mg once daily for 4 days) increased mean quetiapine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 3.4- and 6.2-fold, respectively, and decreased mean oral clearance by 84%. In general, the effects of grapefruit products are concentration-, dose- and preparation-dependent, and can vary widely among brands. Certain preparations of grapefruit (e.g., high dose, double strength) have sometimes demonstrated potent inhibition of CYP450 3A4, while other preparations (e.g., low dose, single strength) have typically demonstrated moderate inhibition. High plasma levels of quetiapine may increase the risk and/or severity of serious adverse effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hyperprolactinemia, orthostatic hypotension, blood pressure increases (in children and adolescents), priapism, QT prolongation, cognitive and motor impairment, dysphagia, heat-related illnesses due to disruption of body temperature regulation, and symptoms of serotonin syndrome (e.g., mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucination, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea).

Food may have varying effects on the absorption of quetiapine from immediate-release versus prolonged-release formulations. In a study examining the effects of food on the bioavailability of quetiapine, a high-fat meal was found to produce statistically significant increases in the quetiapine prolonged release Cmax and AUC of approximately 50% and 20%, respectively. It cannot be excluded that the effect of a high fat meal on the formulation may be larger. In comparison, a light meal had no significant effect on the Cmax or AUC of quetiapine.

Quetiapine may potentiate the cognitive and motor effects of alcohol. The mechanism is likely related to the primary central nervous system effects of quetiapine.

MANAGEMENT: According to the manufacturer, consumption of grapefruit juice should be avoided during treatment with quetiapine. Quetiapine immediate-release tablets may be taken with or without food. It is recommended that quetiapine prolonged release is taken once daily without food or with a light meal. Consumption of alcohol should be limited and used with caution while taking quetiapine.

References

  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  3. Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios Healthcare "Centro de información online de medicamentos de la AEMPS - CIMA. https://cima.aemps.es/cima/publico/home.html" (2008):
  4. "Product Information. Aliquen (QUETIAPine)." Pharmacor Limited (2023):
  5. "Product Information. Mintreleq XL (quetiapine)." Aristo Pharma Ltd (2024):
  6. "Product Information. QUEtiapine Fumarate (QUEtiapine)." XLCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc (2025):
  7. "Product Information. QUEtiapine Fumarate ER (QUEtiapine)." ScieGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2024):
  8. "Product Information. Apo-Quetiapine (quetiapine)." Apotex Inc (2025):
  9. Miyamatsu, Y., Tanizaki, R. "Serotonin syndrome triggered by increasing the dose of quetiapine" Clinical practice and cases in emergency medicine 5 (2021): 365-366
  10. Kohen, I., Gordon, M.L., Manu, P. "Serotonin syndrome in elderly patients treated for psychotic depression with atypical antipsychotics and antidepressants: two case reports" CNS Spectr 12 (2007): 596-8

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: Quetiapine (found in Seroquel)

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

AU TGA pregnancy category: C
US FDA pregnancy category: C

Comments:
-A pregnancy exposure registry is available.
-If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential harm to the fetus.
-Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery.

Animal studies have revealed evidence of embryo-fetal toxicity. Limited published human data have reported no major malformations associated with use during pregnancy. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery. There have been reports of agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress and feeding disorder in these neonates. These complications have varied in severity; while in some cases symptoms have been self-limited, in other cases neonates have required intensive care unit support and prolonged hospitalization. This drug is only recommended for use during pregnancy when there are no alternatives and benefit outweighs risk.

To monitor the outcomes of pregnant women exposed to atypical antipsychotics, a National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics has been established. Physicians are encouraged to register patients and pregnant women are encouraged to register themselves. For additional information: https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/atypicalantipsychotic/.

AU TGA pregnancy category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

References

  1. "Product Information. Seroquel (quetiapine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. "Product Information. Seroquel XR (quetiapine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals (2007):
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

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: Quetiapine (found in Seroquel)

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:
-If this drug is used, monitor infants for drowsiness and developmental milestones.
-The American Academy of Pediatrics classified other antipsychotic agents as drugs whose effect on the nursing infant is unknown but may be of concern.

Based on milk samples from a mother who received 200 mg daily throughout pregnancy and postpartum, it is estimated that an exclusively breastfed infant would receive 0.09% to 0.43% of a weight-adjusted maternal dose. Limited long-term follow-up of infants exposed to this drug during breastfeeding have shown generally normal development. However, due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants and a lack of robust data, a decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

References

  1. "Product Information. Seroquel (quetiapine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. "Product Information. Seroquel XR (quetiapine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals (2007):
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  5. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
  6. Briggs GG, Freeman RK. "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health (2015):

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.

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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.

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