Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Meclizine
Severity: Moderate
Amitriptyline and Meclizine: 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
Meclizine has anticholinergic and sedative properties that add to those of amitriptyline. This may cause dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, drowsiness and confusion, especially in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Meclizine 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; Meclizine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive muscarinic receptor blockade and H1 antagonism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective meclizine dose for the shortest time and monitor for anticholinergic effects and sedation. Consider alternatives in older patients or those with glaucoma or urinary retention.
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 Meclizine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Meclizine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amitriptyline and Meclizine 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. Meclizine has anticholinergic and sedative properties that add to those of amitriptyline. This may cause dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, drowsiness and confusion, especially in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Meclizine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective meclizine dose for the shortest time and monitor for anticholinergic effects and sedation. Consider alternatives in older patients or those with glaucoma or urinary retention.
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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