Drug interactions
Butalbital + Isocarboxazid
Severity: Major
Butalbital and Isocarboxazid: 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
Butalbital taken with an MAOI may cause enhanced and prolonged sedation. Labeling for butalbital products warns against concurrent use with MAOIs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butalbital and Isocarboxazid 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, with possible slowed barbiturate metabolism.
What to do
Avoid; choose another headache therapy, and if unavoidable use a reduced dose with monitoring of sedation.
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 Isocarboxazid
- 5-HTP + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Apraclonidine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butalbital with Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butalbital and Isocarboxazid 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. Butalbital taken with an MAOI may cause enhanced and prolonged sedation. Labeling for butalbital products warns against concurrent use with MAOIs.
How serious is the interaction between Butalbital and Isocarboxazid?
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; choose another headache therapy, and if unavoidable use a reduced dose with monitoring of sedation.
What other medicines interact with Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Isocarboxazid with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Isocarboxazid page.
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