Drug interactions
Dexfenfluramine + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Dexfenfluramine and Tranylcypromine: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Dexfenfluramine releases serotonin and blocks its reuptake, so with an MAOI it can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions. This is a potentially fatal combination. Dexfenfluramine is withdrawn from most markets.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexfenfluramine and Tranylcypromine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Serotonin release and reuptake inhibition combined with irreversible MAO inhibition produces excess serotonergic stimulation.
What to do
Do not use together or within 14 days of an MAOI. No safe monitoring strategy exists.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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References
- Tranylcypromine 10 mg Film-coated Tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: indirectly acting sympathomimetic amines; "Do not give tranylcypromine with indirectly acting sympathomimetic amines such as amphetamine, fenfluramine or similar anti-obesity agents") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexfenfluramine with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Dexfenfluramine and Tranylcypromine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Dexfenfluramine releases serotonin and blocks its reuptake, so with an MAOI it can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions. This is a potentially fatal combination. Dexfenfluramine is withdrawn from most markets.
How serious is the interaction between Dexfenfluramine and Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use together or within 14 days of an MAOI. No safe monitoring strategy exists.
What other medicines interact with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tranylcypromine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Tranylcypromine page.
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