Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Protriptyline
Severity: Moderate
Fentanyl and Protriptyline: moderate 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
Tricyclic antidepressants like protriptyline add sedation and can increase opioid-related respiratory depression. Fentanyl's serotonergic activity combined with a tricyclic also carries a small risk of serotonin syndrome, and both can contribute to hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl and Protriptyline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, with possible additive serotonergic effects.
What to do
Monitor for excessive sedation, respiratory depression and signs of serotonin toxicity. Start with lower doses and titrate carefully.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Fentanyl
- Alvimopan + Fentanyl Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Fentanyl Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl with Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fentanyl and Protriptyline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Tricyclic antidepressants like protriptyline add sedation and can increase opioid-related respiratory depression. Fentanyl's serotonergic activity combined with a tricyclic also carries a small risk of serotonin syndrome, and both can contribute to hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl and Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for excessive sedation, respiratory depression and signs of serotonin toxicity. Start with lower doses and titrate carefully.
What other medicines interact with Fentanyl?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fentanyl with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Fentanyl page.
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