Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
Severity: Minor
Amitriptyline and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone: minor 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
Estrogen-containing contraceptives may increase tricyclic antidepressant concentrations by reducing their metabolism, and some patients experience more anticholinergic or sedative effects. Antidepressant efficacy may also vary, so the clinical effect is inconsistent.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Amitriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Possible estrogen-related inhibition of tricyclic hepatic metabolism; the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects such as sedation, dry mouth and tachycardia, and reduce the amitriptyline dose if these occur.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
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 Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Amitriptyline and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Estrogen-containing contraceptives may increase tricyclic antidepressant concentrations by reducing their metabolism, and some patients experience more anticholinergic or sedative effects. Antidepressant efficacy may also vary, so the clinical effect is inconsistent.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for tricyclic adverse effects such as sedation, dry mouth and tachycardia, and reduce the amitriptyline dose if these occur.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone page.
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