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Drug interactions

Fentanyl intranasal + Maprotiline

Severity: Major

Fentanyl intranasal 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

Combining an opioid with a sedating tricyclic-type antidepressant increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Serotonergic effects of fentanyl may also add to risk.

What this interaction means in plain words

Fentanyl intranasal 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with possible additive serotonergic activity.

What to do

Reserve the combination for patients with no adequate alternatives, using the lowest effective doses and shortest duration. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression.

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 Fentanyl intranasal with Maprotiline?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fentanyl intranasal 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. Combining an opioid with a sedating tricyclic-type antidepressant increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Serotonergic effects of fentanyl may also add to risk.

How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl intranasal 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: Reserve the combination for patients with no adequate alternatives, using the lowest effective doses and shortest duration. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression.

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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