Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Ergotamine
Severity: Moderate
Amitriptyline and Ergotamine: 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
Both drugs enhance serotonergic activity, so combined use may rarely produce serotonin toxicity with agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and autonomic instability. Amitriptyline may also add to vasoconstrictive or CNS effects in migraine patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Ergotamine 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.
Amitriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Ergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects (amitriptyline blocks serotonin reuptake, ergotamine is a serotonin receptor agonist).
What to do
Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome when starting or raising doses of either drug. Stop one agent if neuromuscular, autonomic or mental status changes develop.
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 Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ergotamine
- Almotriptan + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Ergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Ergotamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amitriptyline and Ergotamine 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. Both drugs enhance serotonergic activity, so combined use may rarely produce serotonin toxicity with agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and autonomic instability. Amitriptyline may also add to vasoconstrictive or CNS effects in migraine patients.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Ergotamine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome when starting or raising doses of either drug. Stop one agent if neuromuscular, autonomic or mental status changes develop.
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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