Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates
Severity: Major
Amitriptyline and Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates: major 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
Oxybates are potent CNS and respiratory depressants, and amitriptyline adds sedation. The combination can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS depression from oxybate GABA-B and GHB receptor activity and the sedative properties of amitriptyline.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-sedating alternative. If both are needed, use minimal doses for the shortest time and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Oxybates are potent CNS and respiratory depressants, and amitriptyline adds sedation. The combination can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-sedating alternative. If both are needed, use minimal doses for the shortest time and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
What other medicines interact with Amitriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amitriptyline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Amitriptyline page.
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