Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Protriptyline
Severity: Moderate
Cyproheptadine and Protriptyline: 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
Both agents have anticholinergic activity, and protriptyline can also be sedating, so combined use can cause additive dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, blurred vision and confusion. Cyproheptadine's antiserotonergic action may also reduce antidepressant effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine and Protriptyline 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.
Why it happens
Additive antimuscarinic and CNS depressant effects; 5-HT2 antagonism by cyproheptadine may oppose antidepressant action.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic toxicity, sedation and loss of antidepressant efficacy. Use caution in older adults or those with glaucoma or urinary retention.
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 Cyproheptadine
- Cyproheptadine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cyproheptadine Major
- Belladonna and opium + Cyproheptadine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cyproheptadine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyproheptadine with Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyproheptadine and Protriptyline 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. Both agents have anticholinergic activity, and protriptyline can also be sedating, so combined use can cause additive dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, blurred vision and confusion. Cyproheptadine's antiserotonergic action may also reduce antidepressant effect.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine and Protriptyline?
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 for anticholinergic toxicity, sedation and loss of antidepressant efficacy. Use caution in older adults or those with glaucoma or urinary retention.
What other medicines interact with Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyproheptadine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Cyproheptadine page.
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