Skip to content

Drug interactions

Amitriptyline + Lorcaserin

Severity: Major

Amitriptyline and Lorcaserin: major 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

Lorcaserin is a serotonin 5-HT2C agonist, and combining it with a tricyclic antidepressant that raises serotonin levels may cause serotonin syndrome. Lorcaserin has been withdrawn from many markets, so exposure is now uncommon.

What this interaction means in plain words

Amitriptyline and Lorcaserin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive serotonergic activity from 5-HT2C agonism and serotonin reuptake inhibition.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible. If both are used, monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome and stop lorcaserin if symptoms appear.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Amitriptyline and Lorcaserin, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Amitriptyline with Lorcaserin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Lorcaserin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Lorcaserin is a serotonin 5-HT2C agonist, and combining it with a tricyclic antidepressant that raises serotonin levels may cause serotonin syndrome. Lorcaserin has been withdrawn from many markets, so exposure is now uncommon.

How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Lorcaserin?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible. If both are used, monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome and stop lorcaserin if symptoms appear.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in