Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Vilazodone
Severity: Major
Amitriptyline and Vilazodone: 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
Vilazodone is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and 5-HT1A partial agonist, and combining it with amitriptyline increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, clonus and autonomic instability.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Vilazodone 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; Vilazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative exists. If used, start at low doses and stop both drugs promptly with supportive care if serotonin syndrome signs appear.
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 Vilazodone
- Isocarboxazid + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Vilazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Vilazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Vilazodone 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. Vilazodone is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and 5-HT1A partial agonist, and combining it with amitriptyline increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, clonus and autonomic instability.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Vilazodone?
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 the combination where an alternative exists. If used, start at low doses and stop both drugs promptly with supportive care if serotonin syndrome signs appear.
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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