The P-450 system. Definition and relevance to the use of antidepressants in medical practice
R. J. Goldberg
Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
Over the last several years, several new antidepressants have been
introduced into primary care practice. A number of these, including the
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and nefazodone, have some common
and potentially significant drug interactions as a result of interference
with components of the hepatic P-450 enzyme system. This review provides
information on those drugs that interfere with P-450 function (inhibitors),
as well as those substrates whose metabolism can be impaired by P-450
inhibitors. Because it is important for primary care clinicians to be aware
of these interactions, this article presents a review of the P-450 system
and its relevance to the use of antidepressants in medical practice.
