Can I take Danazol and Quetiapine together?

Why this happens

Quetiapine is broken down in the liver by a specific enzyme (CYP3A4). Danazol blocks this enzyme, which stops the body from clearing quetiapine properly, leading to higher levels of the drug in your system.

You must speak to your doctor before taking these two medicines together. Your doctor may need to lower your dose of quetiapine or monitor you more closely for side effects. If you feel very dizzy, faint, or notice a fast or pounding heartbeat, seek medical help immediately.

Pregnancy

You must not take danazol if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It can cause the development of male physical characteristics in a female foetus. You must use effective, non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms) while taking it.

Blood clots (Thromboembolism)

Danazol significantly increases the risk of serious blood clots. Seek immediate medical help if you experience sudden leg swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

Liver disease

Danazol can cause serious liver damage and non-cancerous liver tumours. You will need regular blood tests to monitor your liver function while taking this medicine.

Dementia in the elderly

Quetiapine must not be used to treat elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, as it significantly increases the risk of stroke and death in this group.

Heart rhythm disorders (Long QT syndrome)

Quetiapine can affect your heart rhythm. You must tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or a family history of 'long QT syndrome', as this medicine can increase the risk of serious arrhythmias.

Diabetes and high blood sugar

Quetiapine can cause a significant increase in blood sugar levels, which can lead to or worsen diabetes. You should monitor for symptoms like extreme thirst or frequent urination.

Alcohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking danazol. Combining danazol with alcohol can cause you to feel nauseous or short of breath (a disulfiram-like reaction). Additionally, both danazol and alcohol can put strain on your liver, and using them together increases the risk of liver damage.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking quetiapine. Combining alcohol with this medicine can increase drowsiness and dizziness, making you more likely to fall or have an accident. It can also affect your coordination and judgement.

Grapefruit juice

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking quetiapine. Grapefruit can increase the amount of quetiapine in your blood, which makes side effects much more likely and potentially more severe.

Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks)

Caffeine can interfere with how quetiapine works. It may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine or worsen certain side effects like restlessness. If you consume a lot of caffeine, talk to your doctor before making any sudden changes to your intake, as this can also affect your medicine levels.

High-fat meals

If you are taking the extended-release (XL) version of quetiapine, you should avoid taking it with a very heavy or high-fat meal. This can cause the medicine to be absorbed into your system too quickly (known as 'dose dumping'), which increases the risk of side effects. It is usually best to take it without food or with a light snack.

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.