Drug interactions
Amoxapine + Phenelzine
Severity: Contraindicated
Amoxapine and Phenelzine: contraindicated 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 an MAO inhibitor with amoxapine, which inhibits monoamine reuptake, can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crises. Severe reactions including hyperthermia and seizures have been described with antidepressant-MAOI combinations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amoxapine and Phenelzine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition combined with reuptake inhibition causes excess synaptic serotonin and norepinephrine.
What to do
Do not combine; allow at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting amoxapine, and an adequate washout after stopping amoxapine before phenelzine.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amoxapine with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Amoxapine and Phenelzine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Combining an MAO inhibitor with amoxapine, which inhibits monoamine reuptake, can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crises. Severe reactions including hyperthermia and seizures have been described with antidepressant-MAOI combinations.
How serious is the interaction between Amoxapine and Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not combine; allow at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting amoxapine, and an adequate washout after stopping amoxapine before phenelzine.
What other medicines interact with Phenelzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenelzine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Atomoxetine. The full list is on the Phenelzine page.
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