Interactions of Caplyta with Other Medications, Alcohol, and Additional Substances

Caplyta, a brand-name capsule, is prescribed for treating schizophrenia and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It's essential to be aware of potential drug interactions when taking Caplyta to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Interactions with Other Medications

Caplyta interacts with several drugs, including some antibiotics and antifungal medications. For instance, grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase plasma concentrations of lumateperone, potentially enhancing side effects. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and clonazepam, when combined with Caplyta, may increase the risk of central nervous system depression, such as excessive sedation, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

Clonidine, an antihypertensive medication, has a moderate interaction with Caplyta, which may require careful monitoring for additive effects, especially on blood pressure and sedation. Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine, common allergy medications, may increase side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating when taken with Caplyta.

Combining other antipsychotics with Caplyta may not result in significant known interactions, but clinical judgment is advised. However, caution is necessary when using Caplyta concurrently with cannabis and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), as there are no specific reports of interactions but a discussion with your doctor is recommended.

Interactions with Certain Medical Conditions and Factors

Certain medical conditions and factors may increase the risk of interactions with Caplyta. These include being age 65 years or older with dementia-related psychosis, being age 24 years or younger, liver problems, seizures, low white blood cell count, diabetes, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, blood pressure or heart problems, risk of overheating, pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergic reaction to Caplyta or its ingredients, and more.

Interactions with Specific HIV and Antibiotic Drugs

Certain HIV drugs and antibiotics can make Caplyta less effective or increase the risk of side effects from Caplyta, depending on the specific drug. Examples include efavirenz, ritonavir, nelfinavir, itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, rifampin, ciprofloxacin, and clarithromycin.

Potential Interactions with Herbal Supplements

Caplyta may interact with an herbal supplement called St. John's wort, making Caplyta less effective than usual.

No Reports of Interactions with Vaccines or Lab Tests

There are no specific reports of vaccines or lab tests interacting with Caplyta. However, it's always a good idea to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and medical conditions before receiving a vaccine or undergoing lab tests.

Alcohol and Caplyta

Although there is no known interaction between Caplyta and alcohol, alcohol may worsen certain side effects of Caplyta, such as sleepiness and digestive problems.

Monitoring for Side Effects

When combining Caplyta with other drugs, it's important to monitor for increased sedation, cognitive impairment, or blood pressure changes. If you develop a fungal infection or bacterial infection while taking Caplyta, talk with your doctor to determine whether it's safe to take antifungal or antibiotic medications with Caplyta.

In some cases, your doctor may temporarily lower your dosage of Caplyta while you're taking the antibiotic. It's always best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you.

[1] FDA. (2019). FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA expands warning about potential increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with Caplyta (lumateperone) capsules. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-expands-warning-about-potential-increased-risk-suicidal-thoughts-and-behavior-caplyta-lumateperone-capsules

[2] Caplyta (lumateperone) [prescribing information]. Zogenix, Inc.; 2021.

[3] Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) [prescribing information]. Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.; 2021.

[4] Clonidine [prescribing information]. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2021.

[5] Cetirizine (Zyrtec) [prescribing information]. Pfizer Inc.; 2021.

When managing mental health, it's crucial to consider potential drug interactions with Caplyta, especially with other medications such as antibiotics, antifungals, and benzodiazepines, which can impact its effectiveness and safety.
Some medical conditions and factors, like age, liver problems, seizures, and diabetes, may increase the risk of interactions with Caplyta and require careful monitoring.
Certain HIV drugs and specific antibiotics can make Caplyta less effective or increase the risk of side effects, and this should be taken into account when selecting treatments.
Be aware that combining Caplyta with St. John's wort can decrease its effectiveness, while alcohol may worsen certain side effects like sleepiness and digestive problems.
To ensure optimal health and wellness, it's essential to inform healthcare providers about all medications, supplements, and medical conditions before receiving vaccines or undergoing lab tests, even if there are no specific reports of interactions with Caplyta.