Drug interactions
Ergotamine + Olanzapine
Severity: Moderate
Ergotamine and Olanzapine: 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
Ergotamine has serotonergic activity and olanzapine can contribute to serotonin toxicity or neuroleptic malignant syndrome in rare cases when combined with serotonergic agents. Evidence of this specific pair is limited. Ergotamine's potent vasoconstriction and CYP3A4 dependence make it unpredictable in combination with other drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ergotamine and Olanzapine 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.
Ergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Olanzapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible additive serotonergic and dopaminergic effects; the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, rigidity and autonomic instability. Stop ergotamine and seek urgent assessment if these appear.
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 Olanzapine
Other interactions of Ergotamine
- Almotriptan + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Ergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ergotamine with Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ergotamine and Olanzapine 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. Ergotamine has serotonergic activity and olanzapine can contribute to serotonin toxicity or neuroleptic malignant syndrome in rare cases when combined with serotonergic agents. Evidence of this specific pair is limited. Ergotamine's potent vasoconstriction and CYP3A4 dependence make it unpredictable in combination with other drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine and Olanzapine?
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 for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, rigidity and autonomic instability. Stop ergotamine and seek urgent assessment if these appear.
What other medicines interact with Olanzapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Olanzapine with, for example, Amisulpride, Amoxapine, Apomorphine. The full list is on the Olanzapine page.
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