Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Galantamine
Severity: Moderate
Amitriptyline and Galantamine: 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
Amitriptyline has strong anticholinergic activity that opposes the cholinergic action of galantamine, potentially reducing its benefit in dementia. Anticholinergic burden may also worsen cognition and confusion.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Galantamine 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; Galantamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism between muscarinic blockade by amitriptyline and cholinesterase inhibition by galantamine.
What to do
Avoid amitriptyline in patients with dementia where possible and choose a less anticholinergic antidepressant. If combined, monitor cognitive response.
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 Galantamine
- Galantamine + Memantine-donepezil Major
- Galantamine + Physostigmine Major
- Galantamine + Ponesimod Major
- Galantamine + Rivastigmine Major
- Amifampridine + Galantamine Moderate
- Amiodarone + Galantamine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Galantamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amitriptyline and Galantamine 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 has strong anticholinergic activity that opposes the cholinergic action of galantamine, potentially reducing its benefit in dementia. Anticholinergic burden may also worsen cognition and confusion.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Galantamine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid amitriptyline in patients with dementia where possible and choose a less anticholinergic antidepressant. If combined, monitor cognitive response.
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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