Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Scullcap
Severity: Minor
Amitriptyline and Scullcap: minor 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
Skullcap is traditionally used as a sedative and may add to the drowsiness caused by amitriptyline. This may impair alertness and psychomotor performance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Scullcap have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects; the herb's sedative action is poorly characterized.
What to do
Advise patients about increased drowsiness and caution with driving or operating machinery. Consider avoiding the herbal product if excess sedation occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Amitriptyline and Scullcap, 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.
Other interactions of Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Scullcap?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Amitriptyline and Scullcap have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Skullcap is traditionally used as a sedative and may add to the drowsiness caused by amitriptyline. This may impair alertness and psychomotor performance.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Scullcap?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients about increased drowsiness and caution with driving or operating machinery. Consider avoiding the herbal product if excess sedation occurs.
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.
