Drug interactions
Disulfiram + Phenelzine
Severity: Moderate
Disulfiram and Phenelzine: moderate 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
A case report described delirium when disulfiram was combined with an MAO inhibitor. Disulfiram inhibits dopamine beta-hydroxylase, which alters catecholamine balance and may contribute to neuropsychiatric effects. Confusion or psychosis may occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Disulfiram and Phenelzine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Not firmly established; possibly altered catecholamine metabolism from combined dopamine beta-hydroxylase and MAO inhibition.
What to do
Monitor mental status for confusion, agitation or psychosis after starting or changing doses. Stop disulfiram if delirium develops.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Disulfiram with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Disulfiram and Phenelzine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. A case report described delirium when disulfiram was combined with an MAO inhibitor. Disulfiram inhibits dopamine beta-hydroxylase, which alters catecholamine balance and may contribute to neuropsychiatric effects. Confusion or psychosis may occur.
How serious is the interaction between Disulfiram and Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor mental status for confusion, agitation or psychosis after starting or changing doses. Stop disulfiram if delirium develops.
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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