Drug interactions
Ergotamine + Sertraline
Severity: Major
Ergotamine and Sertraline: 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
Both drugs enhance serotonergic signalling and ergotamine has 5-HT agonist activity, so serotonin syndrome is possible. Ergotamine also causes vasoconstriction, and the combination warrants more caution than with triptans.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ergotamine and Sertraline 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.
Ergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects, with ergotamine's 5-HT receptor agonism and vasoconstriction.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose another migraine therapy. If used, counsel on serotonin syndrome symptoms and monitor closely.
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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Other interactions of Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline Contraindicated
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 Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ergotamine and Sertraline 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. Both drugs enhance serotonergic signalling and ergotamine has 5-HT agonist activity, so serotonin syndrome is possible. Ergotamine also causes vasoconstriction, and the combination warrants more caution than with triptans.
How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine and Sertraline?
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 where possible and choose another migraine therapy. If used, counsel on serotonin syndrome symptoms and monitor closely.
What other medicines interact with Sertraline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sertraline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Sertraline page.
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