Drug interactions
Alprazolam + Maprotiline
Severity: Moderate
Alprazolam and Maprotiline: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Together they can cause additive drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. Maprotiline also lowers the seizure threshold, which is relevant if a benzodiazepine is withdrawn abruptly.
What this interaction means in plain words
Alprazolam and Maprotiline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Alprazolam belongs to Central Nervous System; Maprotiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from GABA-A enhancement and the sedative antihistaminic effects of the tetracyclic antidepressant.
What to do
Use low doses and monitor for sedation and confusion. Taper alprazolam gradually rather than stopping abruptly.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Alprazolam
- Alprazolam + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Alprazolam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Alprazolam with Maprotiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Alprazolam and Maprotiline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Together they can cause additive drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. Maprotiline also lowers the seizure threshold, which is relevant if a benzodiazepine is withdrawn abruptly.
How serious is the interaction between Alprazolam and Maprotiline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use low doses and monitor for sedation and confusion. Taper alprazolam gradually rather than stopping abruptly.
What other medicines interact with Alprazolam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Alprazolam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole. The full list is on the Alprazolam page.
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