Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Protriptyline
Severity: Minor
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Protriptyline: minor 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
Estrogen-containing contraceptives may raise tricyclic antidepressant concentrations, which can intensify anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular adverse effects. Conversely, estrogens may alter the antidepressant response. The effect is variable and based on limited data.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Protriptyline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Ethinyl estradiol may inhibit oxidative metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants, though the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor for tricyclic toxicity such as dry mouth, sedation, tachycardia and palpitations. Reduce the protriptyline dose if adverse effects emerge.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Protriptyline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Estrogen-containing contraceptives may raise tricyclic antidepressant concentrations, which can intensify anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular adverse effects. Conversely, estrogens may alter the antidepressant response. The effect is variable and based on limited data.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate and Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for tricyclic toxicity such as dry mouth, sedation, tachycardia and palpitations. Reduce the protriptyline dose if adverse effects emerge.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate page.
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