Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Buprenorphine and Tranylcypromine: 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 opioids with a nonselective MAO inhibitor has caused severe reactions such as hypotension, hyperthermia, profound sedation, serotonin toxicity and death. Buprenorphine labeling advises against use during or within 14 days of MAOI treatment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Tranylcypromine 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.
Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition may potentiate serotonergic and CNS-depressant effects of opioids; the exact mechanism with buprenorphine is not fully defined.
What to do
Do not use together; separate by at least 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine and choose a non-interacting analgesic.
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 Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Buprenorphine and Tranylcypromine 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 opioids with a nonselective MAO inhibitor has caused severe reactions such as hypotension, hyperthermia, profound sedation, serotonin toxicity and death. Buprenorphine labeling advises against use during or within 14 days of MAOI treatment.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Tranylcypromine?
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 use together; separate by at least 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine and choose a non-interacting analgesic.
What other medicines interact with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buprenorphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Buprenorphine page.
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