Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Suvorexant
Severity: Moderate
Amitriptyline and Suvorexant: 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
Suvorexant and amitriptyline both cause sedation, and together they may increase drowsiness, impaired next-day alertness and psychomotor impairment. Falls and driving impairment are the main concerns.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Suvorexant 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; Suvorexant belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from orexin receptor antagonism and the antihistaminic and anticholinergic sedation of amitriptyline.
What to do
Use the lowest effective suvorexant dose and review the need for both agents. Warn the patient about daytime drowsiness and driving and monitor older adults for falls.
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 Suvorexant
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Suvorexant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amitriptyline and Suvorexant 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. Suvorexant and amitriptyline both cause sedation, and together they may increase drowsiness, impaired next-day alertness and psychomotor impairment. Falls and driving impairment are the main concerns.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Suvorexant?
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 suvorexant dose and review the need for both agents. Warn the patient about daytime drowsiness and driving and monitor older adults for falls.
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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