Drug interactions
Dihydroergotamine + Phenelzine
Severity: Major
Dihydroergotamine and Phenelzine: major 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
Dihydroergotamine has serotonergic activity and potent vasoconstrictor effects, so with an MAOI there is a risk of serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions. Headache treatment may therefore trigger severe adverse events.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dihydroergotamine and Phenelzine 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.
Dihydroergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects, with MAO inhibition raising monoamine levels while DHE stimulates serotonin receptors and causes vasoconstriction.
What to do
Avoid the combination and choose a non-serotonergic migraine strategy. If it occurs, monitor blood pressure and for serotonin toxicity signs and stop DHE promptly.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Dihydroergotamine and Phenelzine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Dihydroergotamine
- Almotriptan + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dopamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Eletriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dihydroergotamine with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dihydroergotamine and Phenelzine 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. Dihydroergotamine has serotonergic activity and potent vasoconstrictor effects, so with an MAOI there is a risk of serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions. Headache treatment may therefore trigger severe adverse events.
How serious is the interaction between Dihydroergotamine and Phenelzine?
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 the combination and choose a non-serotonergic migraine strategy. If it occurs, monitor blood pressure and for serotonin toxicity signs and stop DHE promptly.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
