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Drug interactions

Dextroamphetamine transdermal + Phenelzine

Severity: Contraindicated

Dextroamphetamine transdermal and Phenelzine: 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

Amphetamines taken with MAO inhibitors can cause hypertensive crisis because of massive monoamine release. Fatal intracranial hemorrhage and hyperpyrexia have been reported.

What this interaction means in plain words

Dextroamphetamine transdermal and Phenelzine 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.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

MAO inhibition prevents breakdown of norepinephrine and other monoamines released by amphetamine, causing excessive adrenergic stimulation.

What to do

Do not use during or within 14 days of phenelzine therapy. Use a non-stimulant alternative.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Dextroamphetamine transdermal with Phenelzine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Dextroamphetamine transdermal and Phenelzine 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. Amphetamines taken with MAO inhibitors can cause hypertensive crisis because of massive monoamine release. Fatal intracranial hemorrhage and hyperpyrexia have been reported.

How serious is the interaction between Dextroamphetamine transdermal and Phenelzine?

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 during or within 14 days of phenelzine therapy. Use a non-stimulant alternative.

What other medicines interact with Phenelzine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenelzine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Phenelzine page.

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