Drug interactions
Fentanyl transdermal + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Fentanyl transdermal and Tranylcypromine: contraindicated 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
Opioids such as fentanyl have been associated with serious reactions in MAOI-treated patients, including serotonin syndrome and unpredictable respiratory depression or hypotension. Because transdermal fentanyl has prolonged exposure, any reaction may be hard to reverse quickly.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl transdermal and Tranylcypromine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Weak serotonin reuptake inhibition by fentanyl with MAO inhibition can cause serotonin toxicity, and the opioid effect may be unpredictably potentiated.
What to do
Avoid during and for 14 days after MAOI therapy. Choose an alternative analgesic and monitor for serotonin toxicity and respiratory depression if an opioid is required.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl transdermal with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Fentanyl transdermal and Tranylcypromine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Opioids such as fentanyl have been associated with serious reactions in MAOI-treated patients, including serotonin syndrome and unpredictable respiratory depression or hypotension. Because transdermal fentanyl has prolonged exposure, any reaction may be hard to reverse quickly.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl transdermal and Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid during and for 14 days after MAOI therapy. Choose an alternative analgesic and monitor for serotonin toxicity and respiratory depression if an opioid is required.
What other medicines interact with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tranylcypromine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Tranylcypromine page.
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