Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Lofexidine
Severity: Moderate
Amitriptyline and Lofexidine: 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
Lofexidine causes sedation, hypotension, bradycardia and QT prolongation, and amitriptyline adds sedation and potential QT effects. Tricyclics may also reduce the antihypertensive and withdrawal-suppressing effects of central alpha-2 agonists.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Lofexidine 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; Lofexidine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive sedation and QT prolongation, and pharmacodynamic antagonism of alpha-2 agonist effects by tricyclic noradrenergic actions.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure, pulse and ECG, and correct electrolyte abnormalities. Watch for reduced efficacy of lofexidine and for excessive sedation.
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 Lofexidine
- Adagrasib + Lofexidine Major
- Alfuzosin + Lofexidine Major
- Amiodarone + Lofexidine Major
- Amisulpride + Lofexidine Major
- Anagrelide + Lofexidine Major
- Apomorphine + Lofexidine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Lofexidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amitriptyline and Lofexidine 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. Lofexidine causes sedation, hypotension, bradycardia and QT prolongation, and amitriptyline adds sedation and potential QT effects. Tricyclics may also reduce the antihypertensive and withdrawal-suppressing effects of central alpha-2 agonists.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Lofexidine?
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, pulse and ECG, and correct electrolyte abnormalities. Watch for reduced efficacy of lofexidine and for excessive sedation.
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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