Drug interactions
Caffeine + Isocarboxazid
Severity: Moderate
Caffeine and Isocarboxazid: 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
Isocarboxazid (an irreversible non-selective MAO inhibitor) can heighten the pressor and stimulant response to caffeine, so palpitations, jitteriness, insomnia and hypertension may be more pronounced. Ordinary dietary intake is rarely dangerous, but larger doses (including caffeine-containing medicines) deserve caution.
What this interaction means in plain words
Caffeine and Isocarboxazid 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.
Caffeine belongs to Miscellaneous; Isocarboxazid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Potentiation of caffeine-induced catecholamine release by MAO inhibition
What to do
Advise limiting coffee, energy drinks and caffeine-containing preparations, and avoid caffeine as a medicinal supplement; monitor blood pressure.
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?
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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
Other interactions of Caffeine
- Caffeine + Ephedrine Major
- Caffeine + Fezolinetant Major
- Caffeine + Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Major
- Caffeine + Selegiline transdermal Major
- Adenosine + Caffeine Moderate
- Benzphetamine + Caffeine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Caffeine with Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Caffeine and Isocarboxazid 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. Isocarboxazid (an irreversible non-selective MAO inhibitor) can heighten the pressor and stimulant response to caffeine, so palpitations, jitteriness, insomnia and hypertension may be more pronounced. Ordinary dietary intake is rarely dangerous, but larger doses (including caffeine-containing medicines) deserve caution.
How serious is the interaction between Caffeine and Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise limiting coffee, energy drinks and caffeine-containing preparations, and avoid caffeine as a medicinal supplement; monitor blood pressure.
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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