Use of Psychotropics and Drug-Drug Interactions in Oncology: Reflectionsfrom a Study in a Portuguese Psycho-Oncology Unit

Abstract

Introduction: Psychopharmacological treatment is an important tool of the multidimensional approach in oncologic setting but cancer patient´s susceptibility to drug-drug interactions may pose them at risk. Objective: To describe the use of psychotropic in patients referred to a psycho-oncology unit and to point out potential and clinical relevant drug-drug interactions in this context. Methods: Descriptive study of a sample of patients referred for the first time to the Psycho-Oncology Unit of Coimbra University Hospital Centre, between April and December 2013. A retrospective collection of the sociodemographic, clinical and prescription data was made by consulting clinical processes. Results: From the sample of 110 patients, 51,8% of the patients were already taking some psychotropic drug and 91,9% were on antineoplastic medication at the time of the psycho-oncology appointment. Among the psychotropic medication, almost all were benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Psychotropic can cause potential interactions with antineoplastic medication administered in cancer patients. Some pharmacological agents have more potential to cause drug-drug interactions. Conclusions: Prescription of psychotropic medication by the oncological team is common and cancer patients usually take several drugs at the same time. This study outlines the importance of promoting scientific research on drug-drug interactions in psycho-oncology and a closer collaboration between oncology and psychiatry in order to reduce the risk of drug-drug Interactions, to increase its awareness and to adequately prescribe a psychopharmacologic treatment for each patient.