Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Ethanol
Severity: Major
Amitriptyline and Ethanol: 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
Alcohol intensifies the sedative and psychomotor-impairing effects of amitriptyline. Heavy drinking with tricyclics also increases the danger of respiratory depression and toxicity in overdose.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Ethanol 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 CNS depression, with acute alcohol possibly also raising tricyclic levels through reduced first-pass metabolism.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking amitriptyline. Assess for alcohol misuse and overdose risk, particularly in patients with depression.
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 Ethanol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Ethanol 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. Alcohol intensifies the sedative and psychomotor-impairing effects of amitriptyline. Heavy drinking with tricyclics also increases the danger of respiratory depression and toxicity in overdose.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Ethanol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking amitriptyline. Assess for alcohol misuse and overdose risk, particularly in patients with depression.
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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