Drug interactions
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Nortriptyline
Severity: Major
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Nortriptyline: 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
Oxybates are potent CNS depressants, and combining them with a sedating tricyclic antidepressant can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death. Labeling warns against combining oxybates with other CNS depressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Nortriptyline 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 and respiratory depression through pharmacodynamic synergism.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if essential, use minimum doses and durations. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression, and consider reducing or interrupting oxybate doses.
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 Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Nortriptyline 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. Oxybates are potent CNS depressants, and combining them with a sedating tricyclic antidepressant can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death. Labeling warns against combining oxybates with other CNS depressants.
How serious is the interaction between Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates and Nortriptyline?
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 the combination where possible; if essential, use minimum doses and durations. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression, and consider reducing or interrupting oxybate doses.
What other medicines interact with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nortriptyline with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Nortriptyline page.
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