Probable metabolic interaction between methadone and fluvoxamine in addict patients

Ther Drug Monit. 1994 Feb;16(1):42-5. doi: 10.1097/00007691-199402000-00006.

Abstract

We report five cases where fluvoxamine (FLVX) was added to maintenance treatment with methadone (MTD) in addict patients with affective disorders. In view of the implication of FLVX in several metabolic drug interactions, MTD plasma levels were measured before and after treatment with FLVX. A slight increase (approximately 20% of the MTD plasma level/dose ratio) occurred in two cases. In the remaining three patients, the interaction was more pronounced (40-100% increase of the MTD plasma level/dose ratio), with clinical manifestations of opiate withdrawal after stopping FLVX therapy in one case. Caution is needed when starting or stopping treatment with FLVX in patients receiving maintenance treatment with methadone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Drug Interactions
  • Female
  • Fluvoxamine / adverse effects
  • Fluvoxamine / pharmacokinetics*
  • Fluvoxamine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methadone / adverse effects
  • Methadone / pharmacokinetics*
  • Methadone / therapeutic use
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / drug therapy
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / metabolism*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / psychology

Substances

  • Fluvoxamine
  • Methadone