Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Methamphetamine
Severity: Major
Amitriptyline and Methamphetamine: 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
Tricyclic antidepressants can potentiate the pressor and arrhythmogenic effects of methamphetamine, leading to hypertension, tachycardia and arrhythmias. Seizure risk and serotonergic effects may also be increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Methamphetamine 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.
Amitriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Methamphetamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Potentiation of adrenergic effects via reuptake blockade, with possible CYP2D6 inhibition raising methamphetamine exposure.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if combined, use the lowest stimulant dose and monitor blood pressure, heart rate and ECG.
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?
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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 Methamphetamine
- Isocarboxazid + Methamphetamine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Methamphetamine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Methamphetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Methamphetamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Methamphetamine 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. Tricyclic antidepressants can potentiate the pressor and arrhythmogenic effects of methamphetamine, leading to hypertension, tachycardia and arrhythmias. Seizure risk and serotonergic effects may also be increased.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Methamphetamine?
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 if possible; if combined, use the lowest stimulant dose and monitor blood pressure, heart rate and ECG.
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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