Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Amitriptyline and Sufentanil: 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
Combining a tricyclic antidepressant with an opioid increases sedation and the risk of respiratory depression. Amitriptyline may also potentiate serotonergic and hypotensive effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Sufentanil 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; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with some serotonergic contribution.
What to do
Use the lowest effective sufentanil dose and monitor respiratory rate, sedation level, and blood pressure. Have airway support and reversal agents available in procedural settings.
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 Sufentanil
- Alprazolam + Sufentanil Major
- Amobarbital + Sufentanil Major
- Aripiprazole + Sufentanil Major
- Asenapine + Sufentanil Major
- Baclofen + Sufentanil Major
- Brexpiprazole + Sufentanil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Sufentanil 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. Combining a tricyclic antidepressant with an opioid increases sedation and the risk of respiratory depression. Amitriptyline may also potentiate serotonergic and hypotensive effects.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective sufentanil dose and monitor respiratory rate, sedation level, and blood pressure. Have airway support and reversal agents available in procedural settings.
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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