Evigrade
Major

duloxetine × Fluoxetine

SNRI×Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Mechanism

Fluoxetine is a potent CYP2D6 inhibitor; duloxetine is minorly metabolised by CYP2D6. Additive serotonergic load with dual SSRI/SNRI dosing.

Symptoms

Serotonin syndrome: agitation, confusion, tremor, myoclonus, hyperreflexia. Autonomic features: sweating, tachycardia, hypertension, fever. First signs appear within hours of co-administration.

Management

The combination is not prescribed. When switching from fluoxetine to duloxetine, allow a 5-week washout (due to norfluoxetine); from duloxetine to fluoxetine, 1 week.

Sources

All interactions