Drug interactions in psychopharmacology.

The mechanisms underlying psychotropic drug interactions include alterations in gastrointestinal absorption, protein-binding, specific and nonspecific metabolic degradation, receptor interactions, and renal clearance. The risk of interactions can be minimized by detailed drug history-taking, use of rapid reference sources, patient education, and physician behaviors that include serious attention to somatic complaints, identification of "at risk" situations, and rational prescribing habits.