Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Ketamine
Severity: Moderate
Amitriptyline and Ketamine: 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
Ketamine and amitriptyline can both cause sedation and cognitive impairment. Tricyclics may also increase the sympathomimetic cardiovascular effects of ketamine, such as hypertension and tachycardia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Ketamine 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; Ketamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and additive noradrenergic cardiovascular stimulation from reuptake inhibition combined with ketamine's catecholamine release.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and level of sedation during ketamine administration. Consider a lower ketamine dose and avoid driving after treatment.
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 Ketamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Ketamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amitriptyline and Ketamine 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. Ketamine and amitriptyline can both cause sedation and cognitive impairment. Tricyclics may also increase the sympathomimetic cardiovascular effects of ketamine, such as hypertension and tachycardia.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Ketamine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and level of sedation during ketamine administration. Consider a lower ketamine dose and avoid driving after treatment.
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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