Drug interactions
Ergotamine + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Major
Ergotamine and Tranylcypromine: 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
Ergot alkaloids are potent vasoconstrictors and have serotonergic activity, and combining them with an MAO inhibitor may precipitate hypertensive episodes or serotonin toxicity. Severe vasospasm and ischemia are also a concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ergotamine and Tranylcypromine 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; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic and vasoconstrictive effects, with MAO inhibition potentiating pressor responses.
What to do
Avoid the combination and use a non-ergot acute migraine treatment chosen with the prescriber. Monitor blood pressure and watch for serotonin syndrome if exposure occurs.
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 Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine 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 Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ergotamine and Tranylcypromine 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. Ergot alkaloids are potent vasoconstrictors and have serotonergic activity, and combining them with an MAO inhibitor may precipitate hypertensive episodes or serotonin toxicity. Severe vasospasm and ischemia are also a concern.
How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine and Tranylcypromine?
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 use a non-ergot acute migraine treatment chosen with the prescriber. Monitor blood pressure and watch for serotonin syndrome if exposure occurs.
What other medicines interact with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tranylcypromine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Tranylcypromine page.
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