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Drug interactions

Amphetamine + Dextromethorphan

Severity: Moderate

Amphetamine and Dextromethorphan: 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

Both drugs enhance serotonergic transmission, and using them together may rarely precipitate serotonin syndrome. Features include agitation, tremor, clonus, hyperthermia and autonomic instability.

What this interaction means in plain words

Amphetamine and Dextromethorphan 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.

Amphetamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Dextromethorphan belongs to Respiratory.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive serotonergic effects: amphetamine promotes serotonin release and dextromethorphan inhibits serotonin reuptake.

What to do

Monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity, especially when starting or increasing doses. Stop one or both agents if symptoms of serotonin syndrome develop.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Amphetamine with Dextromethorphan?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amphetamine and Dextromethorphan 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. Both drugs enhance serotonergic transmission, and using them together may rarely precipitate serotonin syndrome. Features include agitation, tremor, clonus, hyperthermia and autonomic instability.

How serious is the interaction between Amphetamine and Dextromethorphan?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity, especially when starting or increasing doses. Stop one or both agents if symptoms of serotonin syndrome develop.

What other medicines interact with Dextromethorphan?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Dextromethorphan with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Dextromethorphan page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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