Drug interactions
Clozapine + Phenelzine
Severity: Moderate
Clozapine and Phenelzine: 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
Clozapine with an MAOI may cause additive hypotension and sedation, and rarely serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Clozapine's marked orthostatic effects make hypotension a particular concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clozapine and Phenelzine 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.
Clozapine belongs to Central Nervous System; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effects: clozapine's serotonergic and alpha-adrenergic blocking activity combined with increased monoamine levels from MAO inhibition.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure, heart rate and mental status, especially during titration. Stop one agent if serotonin toxicity or neuroleptic malignant syndrome is suspected.
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 Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Clozapine
- Clozapine + Deferiprone Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Clozapine Major
- Adagrasib + Clozapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clozapine with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clozapine and Phenelzine 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. Clozapine with an MAOI may cause additive hypotension and sedation, and rarely serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Clozapine's marked orthostatic effects make hypotension a particular concern.
How serious is the interaction between Clozapine and Phenelzine?
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 blood pressure, heart rate and mental status, especially during titration. Stop one agent if serotonin toxicity or neuroleptic malignant syndrome is suspected.
What other medicines interact with Phenelzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenelzine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Phenelzine page.
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