Drug interactions
Debrisoquine + Trazodone
Severity: Minor
Debrisoquine and Trazodone: minor 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 acts by being taken up into adrenergic neurons, where it depletes norepinephrine. Antidepressants that block neuronal amine uptake can reduce its effect, but trazodone is a weak inhibitor of this uptake, so the effect is limited. Trazodone's own alpha-blocking action may add to hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Debrisoquine and Trazodone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Possible weak competition for neuronal amine uptake, with additive hypotensive effects from alpha-blockade.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure when starting or stopping trazodone and adjust the antihypertensive dose if needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Trazodone
- Arsenic trioxide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Debrisoquine with Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Debrisoquine and Trazodone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Debrisoquine acts by being taken up into adrenergic neurons, where it depletes norepinephrine. Antidepressants that block neuronal amine uptake can reduce its effect, but trazodone is a weak inhibitor of this uptake, so the effect is limited. Trazodone's own alpha-blocking action may add to hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Debrisoquine and Trazodone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure when starting or stopping trazodone and adjust the antihypertensive dose if needed.
What other medicines interact with Trazodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Trazodone with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Ibutilide, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Trazodone page.
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