Opinion
Role of the Pharmacist in Managing Antidepressant Drug Interactions in the Solid Organ Transplant Population
1Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, USA
2Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Medical Center, USA
Received Date:May 14, 2019; Published Date: May 23, 2019
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is prevalent in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients and can lead to medication nonadherence and risk of rejection of the transplant organ. In addition, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug interactions can pose challenges when using antidepressant and immunosuppressant medication concomitantly. Clinical pharmacists serve an important role in improving patient outcomes in SOT patients with depression by predicting and avoiding potential drug interactions, identifying when drug interactions warrant modifications, and educating patients and providers on safe and effective use of antidepressants in the transplant population.
Keywords:Pharmacist; Transplant; Depression; Antidepressant; Immunosuppressant; Interaction
Abbreviations: MDD: Major Depressive Disorder: SOT: Solid Organ Transplant; CYP: Cytochrome P450; SSRI: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; SNRI: Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors; DDI: Drug-Drug Interactions; CNS: Central Nervous System; PGP: P-glycoprotein; TCA: Tricyclic Antidepressants; MAOI: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
