Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Flurazepam
Severity: Moderate
Amitriptyline and Flurazepam: 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
Flurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic with an active metabolite, and amitriptyline adds sedation. The combination can cause prolonged daytime drowsiness, impaired cognition and falls.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Flurazepam 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through GABA-A potentiation and antihistaminic effects of amitriptyline.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for next-day sedation and falls, especially in older patients. Consider a shorter-acting alternative or non-drug insomnia strategies.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Flurazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amitriptyline and Flurazepam 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. Flurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic with an active metabolite, and amitriptyline adds sedation. The combination can cause prolonged daytime drowsiness, impaired cognition and falls.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Flurazepam?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for next-day sedation and falls, especially in older patients. Consider a shorter-acting alternative or non-drug insomnia strategies.
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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