Common CYP450 drug interactions with psychiatric medicines: A brief review for the primary care physician

With thousands of drug interactions possible, it is next to impossible to remember them all. Additionally, with the common use of psychiatric medicines in primary care practice, drug interactions may occur without recognition. Some drug interactions are negligible while other drug interactions are quite significant. It is most important to remember the drug interactions that can have a clinical effect. Since approximately half of all medications prescribed today are affected by P450 enzymes, it is important to recognize some important interactions. This brief review will address the most common medications used to treat psychiatric illnesses today and their potential to cause CYP450-mediated drug interactions.