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Lithium / Fluoxetine
Lithium enhances serotonergic neurotransmission by inhibiting inositol monophosphatase while fluoxetine blocks serotonin reuptake, together augmenting central serotonergic activity for mood stabilization and antidepressant effects.
Lithium enhances serotonergic neurotransmission by inhibiting inositol monophosphatase while fluoxetine blocks serotonin reuptake, together augmenting central serotonergic activity for mood stabilization and antidepressant effects. Used for Major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant, Bipolar disorder depression.
At a glance
| Generic name | Lithium / Fluoxetine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Lithium Carbonate / Prozac |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania |
| Drug class | SSRI + mood stabilizer combination |
| Target | Serotonin transporter (SERT); inositol monophosphatase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Lithium modulates intracellular signaling pathways and reduces inositol recycling, potentiating serotonergic neurotransmission. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that prevents serotonin reabsorption at the synapse. The combination is used clinically to enhance antidepressant efficacy in treatment-resistant depression by synergistic augmentation of serotonergic signaling.
Approved indications
- Major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant
- Bipolar disorder depression
Common side effects
- Tremor
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Polyuria/polydipsia
- Weight gain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Headache
- Serotonin syndrome (rare)
Key clinical trials
- Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Adolescent Depression (STAR-AD) (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- The Role of Dopamine Metabolism in the Antidepressant Effects of Sleep Deprivation and Sertraline in Depressed Patients (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Longitudinal Comparative Effectiveness of Bipolar Disorder Therapies
- Prevention of Relapse & Recurrence of Bipolar Depression (PHASE4)
- Treatment of Adolescent Suicide Attempters (TASA) (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Pharmacovigilance in Gerontopsychiatric Patients (PHASE3)
- Multi-Dimensional Diagnosis,Individualized Therapy,and Management Technique for Major Depressive Disorder:Based on Clinical and Pathological Characteristics (PHASE4)
- Understanding Sleep Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Lithium / Fluoxetine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Lithium / Fluoxetine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Pennsylvania portfolio CI