Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Gabapentin
Severity: Moderate
Amitriptyline and Gabapentin: 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 cause sedation and when combined can intensify drowsiness, dizziness and cognitive impairment. Respiratory depression is possible, particularly in older, frail or respiratory-compromised patients or with other CNS depressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Gabapentin 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; Gabapentin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depression.
What to do
Start with low doses and titrate slowly, monitoring for sedation and respiratory depression. Warn patients about driving and avoid adding other sedatives such as alcohol or opioids.
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 Gabapentin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Gabapentin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amitriptyline and Gabapentin 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 cause sedation and when combined can intensify drowsiness, dizziness and cognitive impairment. Respiratory depression is possible, particularly in older, frail or respiratory-compromised patients or with other CNS depressants.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Gabapentin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start with low doses and titrate slowly, monitoring for sedation and respiratory depression. Warn patients about driving and avoid adding other sedatives such as alcohol or opioids.
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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