Drug interactions
Debrisoquine + Nortriptyline
Severity: Moderate
Debrisoquine and Nortriptyline: 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
Debrisoquine is an adrenergic neuron blocker that must enter sympathetic neurons through the norepinephrine transporter. Nortriptyline blocks this uptake, which can reduce or abolish the antihypertensive effect. Both drugs are also CYP2D6 substrates.
What this interaction means in plain words
Debrisoquine and Nortriptyline 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
Nortriptyline inhibits neuronal uptake of debrisoquine via the norepinephrine transporter, antagonizing its action.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and expect loss of antihypertensive control. Use a different antihypertensive class if the tricyclic is needed.
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 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 Debrisoquine with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Debrisoquine and Nortriptyline 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. Debrisoquine is an adrenergic neuron blocker that must enter sympathetic neurons through the norepinephrine transporter. Nortriptyline blocks this uptake, which can reduce or abolish the antihypertensive effect. Both drugs are also CYP2D6 substrates.
How serious is the interaction between Debrisoquine and Nortriptyline?
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 and expect loss of antihypertensive control. Use a different antihypertensive class if the tricyclic is needed.
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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