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Drug interactions

Esketamine intranasal + Isocarboxazid

Severity: Major

Esketamine intranasal and Isocarboxazid: 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

Esketamine can raise blood pressure and heart rate, and MAO inhibitors enhance sympathomimetic effects, so the combination may cause hypertensive reactions. Labeling advises monitoring blood pressure when combined with MAO inhibitors.

What this interaction means in plain words

Esketamine intranasal and Isocarboxazid 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive sympathetic stimulation, as MAO inhibition increases catecholamine availability while esketamine raises sympathetic tone.

What to do

Measure blood pressure before and after each esketamine dose and avoid use if baseline blood pressure is elevated or if a hypertensive crisis is a concern.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Esketamine intranasal with Isocarboxazid?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Esketamine intranasal and Isocarboxazid 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. Esketamine can raise blood pressure and heart rate, and MAO inhibitors enhance sympathomimetic effects, so the combination may cause hypertensive reactions. Labeling advises monitoring blood pressure when combined with MAO inhibitors.

How serious is the interaction between Esketamine intranasal and Isocarboxazid?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Measure blood pressure before and after each esketamine dose and avoid use if baseline blood pressure is elevated or if a hypertensive crisis is a concern.

What other medicines interact with Isocarboxazid?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Isocarboxazid with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Isocarboxazid page.

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