Drug interactions
Dextroamphetamine + Nortriptyline
Severity: Major
Dextroamphetamine and Nortriptyline: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Tricyclic antidepressants can potentiate the cardiovascular effects of amphetamines, with the potential for hypertension, tachycardia and arrhythmias. Amphetamines may also increase tricyclic levels and the risk of serotonergic effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dextroamphetamine and Nortriptyline can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Dextroamphetamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Blocked norepinephrine reuptake and altered uptake of amphetamine, with possible reduced tricyclic metabolism.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise use low doses and monitor blood pressure, heart rate and ECG. Consider nortriptyline level monitoring.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Dextroamphetamine
- Dextroamphetamine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dextroamphetamine with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dextroamphetamine and Nortriptyline can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Tricyclic antidepressants can potentiate the cardiovascular effects of amphetamines, with the potential for hypertension, tachycardia and arrhythmias. Amphetamines may also increase tricyclic levels and the risk of serotonergic effects.
How serious is the interaction between Dextroamphetamine and Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible; otherwise use low doses and monitor blood pressure, heart rate and ECG. Consider nortriptyline level monitoring.
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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