Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Dextroamphetamine
Severity: Major
Amitriptyline and Dextroamphetamine: 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
Tricyclics block norepinephrine reuptake and can potentiate the cardiovascular effects of amphetamines, leading to hypertension, tachycardia and arrhythmias. Amphetamines can also lower the seizure threshold, and both drugs may raise serotonin activity. Tricyclics may raise amphetamine levels through CYP2D6 inhibition.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Dextroamphetamine 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.
Amitriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Dextroamphetamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic potentiation of adrenergic effects via reuptake blockade, with possible CYP2D6-mediated increase in amphetamine exposure.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if combined, begin with low doses of the stimulant and monitor blood pressure, heart rate and ECG. Watch for agitation and serotonergic symptoms.
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
Other interactions of Dextroamphetamine
- Dextroamphetamine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Dextroamphetamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Dextroamphetamine 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. Tricyclics block norepinephrine reuptake and can potentiate the cardiovascular effects of amphetamines, leading to hypertension, tachycardia and arrhythmias. Amphetamines can also lower the seizure threshold, and both drugs may raise serotonin activity. Tricyclics may raise amphetamine levels through CYP2D6 inhibition.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Dextroamphetamine?
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 if possible; if combined, begin with low doses of the stimulant and monitor blood pressure, heart rate and ECG. Watch for agitation and serotonergic symptoms.
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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