Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Tetrabenazine
Severity: Major
Amitriptyline and Tetrabenazine: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so the combination raises the risk of arrhythmia. Tetrabenazine also causes sedation and depression, which may complicate therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Tetrabenazine 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; Tetrabenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation; additive sedation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc and electrolytes. Avoid the combination in patients with congenital long QT or other QT-prolonging drugs.
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 Tetrabenazine
- Dronedarone + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Tetrabenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Tetrabenazine 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so the combination raises the risk of arrhythmia. Tetrabenazine also causes sedation and depression, which may complicate therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Tetrabenazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor QTc and electrolytes. Avoid the combination in patients with congenital long QT or other QT-prolonging drugs.
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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