Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Dosulepin
Severity: Major
Amitriptyline and Dosulepin: 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
Two tricyclic antidepressants given together have additive effects on cardiac conduction, anticholinergic burden, sedation and serotonin reuptake, and overdose toxicity is high. The risk of arrhythmia, seizures and serotonin syndrome is increased with no therapeutic advantage.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Dosulepin 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; Dosulepin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT/conduction effects, anticholinergic activity and serotonin reuptake inhibition, with shared hepatic metabolism.
What to do
Avoid combining; use a single tricyclic at an optimised dose. If switching, taper the first drug and monitor ECG.
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 Dosulepin
- Dosulepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Dosulepin Major
- Chlorpromazine + Dosulepin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Dosulepin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Dosulepin 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. Two tricyclic antidepressants given together have additive effects on cardiac conduction, anticholinergic burden, sedation and serotonin reuptake, and overdose toxicity is high. The risk of arrhythmia, seizures and serotonin syndrome is increased with no therapeutic advantage.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Dosulepin?
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 combining; use a single tricyclic at an optimised dose. If switching, taper the first drug and monitor ECG.
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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