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Drug interactions

Fenfluramine + Maprotiline

Severity: Major

Fenfluramine and Maprotiline: 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 act on serotonergic and noradrenergic systems, so combining them may cause serotonin syndrome. Fenfluramine's release of serotonin can be amplified by reuptake inhibition, and cardiovascular effects may also change.

What this interaction means in plain words

Fenfluramine and Maprotiline 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.

Fenfluramine belongs to Central Nervous System; Maprotiline belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive serotonergic and noradrenergic effects, with maprotiline blocking norepinephrine reuptake and fenfluramine promoting serotonin release.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible. If used together, monitor for serotonin syndrome and for changes in blood pressure and heart rate.

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 Fenfluramine with Maprotiline?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fenfluramine and Maprotiline 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 act on serotonergic and noradrenergic systems, so combining them may cause serotonin syndrome. Fenfluramine's release of serotonin can be amplified by reuptake inhibition, and cardiovascular effects may also change.

How serious is the interaction between Fenfluramine and Maprotiline?

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. If used together, monitor for serotonin syndrome and for changes in blood pressure and heart rate.

What other medicines interact with Maprotiline?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Maprotiline with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Maprotiline page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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