Lithium attenuates dopamine depleting effects of reserpine and tetrabenazine but not that of alpha methyl-p-tyrosine.

Concurrent administration of lithium (Li) significantly attenuates the dopamine (DA) depleting effects of reserpine and tetrabenazine, but does not change alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT) induced DA depletion in rat brain. This effect of Li is probably mediated, in part, by inhibiting the magnesium-dependent binding of both reserpine and tetrabenazine to their specific receptor sites. Such interaction between these drugs may attenuate the beneficial effects of tetrabenazine and reserpine on patients with tardive dyskinesia or tardive dystonia who are treated concurrently with lithium for their psychiatric disorder.