Does Duloxetine Interact With Risperidone? (3 Risks)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/02/2024 | Next review date: 02/02/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

View More north_east

In this article, we will discuss whether Duloxetine can interact with Risperidone. We will also discuss some research studies and the potential risks and benefits of this combination.

Does Duloxetine interact with Risperidone?

Duloxetine can interact with Risperidone, and it is important to be cautious while taking them together.

Duloxetine and Risperidone belong to a different class of medication, but both tackle mental health conditions. When taken together you may experience potential interactions and side effects.

Cymbalta is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor prescribed for treating anxiety and depression (1). Risperidone, on the other hand, is an antipsychotic medication used for treating bipolar disorder and schizophrenia (2).

Both medications can increase the level of serotonin in the brain, and the combination may lead to potential interactions.

If your healthcare provider prescribes both Duloxetine and Risperidone, they will carefully monitor you for any signs of drug interactions.

What does research suggest?

There is limited research available on the interaction between Duloxetine and Risperidone. However, one study justified the use of Duloxetine along with Risperidone. It indicated that taking Duloxetine alongside Risperidone showed that Duloxetine did not significantly change the levels of Risperidone in the blood (3).

This suggests that it is likely safe to use Duloxetine together with Risperidone (3).

Another study indicated that Duloxetine in combination with Risperidone had much better results in improving feelings like lack of interest, overall schizophrenia symptoms and other related mental health issues (4).

The results indicate that Duloxetine alongside Risperidone appears to be a safe and effective way to treat the main symptoms of schizophrenia (4).

What are the potential risks of combining Cymbalta and Risperidone?

Concomitant use of Cymbalta or any other antidepressant, such as Escitalopram or Fluvoxamine etc, along with Risperidone can cause adverse consequences due to their their effect on the brain and heart.

Unless prescribed by your doctor and determined safe, the combined use of these drugs can cause the following risks to your health.

Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a serious condition that occurs because of serotonin excess in the brain. If untreated, it can be lethal.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood and reducing anxiety. When medications affecting serotonin levels in the brain are combined the risk of serotonin syndrome is high.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include (5):

Hallucination
Agitation
Dizziness
Tremors
High-grade fever
Excessive sweating
High blood pressure
Tremors
Seizures
Coma

Cardiac issues

The lengthening of the QT interval can cause irregular heart rhythm. It is a rare side effect but can occur with many drugs. Antipsychotics such as Risperidone have a low risk at therapeutic doses.

However, antidepressants have a high risk of affecting corrected QT prolongation. Therefore, if you are taking both these drugs, you should discuss with your healthcare provider your risk of developing QTc prolongation. This condition can be fatal for people with heart conditions and electrolyte disturbances (6).

Increased sedation

Both Duloxetine and Risperidone affect brain neurotransmitters and are associated with a tendency to induce drowsiness. When taken together they may exacerbate the sedative effects, which may cause tiredness, sleepiness, dizziness and difficulty focusing.

What are the benefits of combining Duloxetine and Risperidone?

Duloxetine and Risperidone combination may be considered in specific cases to address mental health conditions. Combining Duloxetine and Risperidone can be useful in treating certain psychiatric disorders because they work differently, potentially complementing each other’s effects.

Some benefits associated with the combination include:

Management of psychotic symptoms

Risperidone is used to manage psychotic symptoms. When depression or anxiety symptoms are present alongside psychosis, the combination with Duloxetine may help address both aspects of the mental health conditions.

Augmentation of antidepressant effects

Risperidone is sometimes used as an adjunct to Duloxetine in the treatment of depression, especially when depressive symptoms are not responsive to antidepressants alone.

It is important to note that the combination of Duloxetine and Risperidone is reserved for special cases, and the decision to use these medications together should be carefully considered by a healthcare professional.

What precautions should you take with Duloxetine and Risperidone?

Remember the following precautions while taking Duloxetine and Risperidone together:

Consult your doctor for dose adjustment.
Be aware of potential side effects.
If you have pre-existing heart conditions while taking Duloxetine and Risperidone, communicate with your doctor regularly.
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when feeling dizzy or drowsy.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine intake. They can intensify the side effects of antidepressants and antipsychotics.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking Duloxetine and Risperidone (7,8).

In my experience, Duloxetine and Risperidone can interact, and their combination should be approached with caution.

I suggest patients should always inform their healthcare providers about all medications they are taking, and any concerns about drug interactions should be discussed to ensure safe and effective treatment.