Drug interactions
Frovatriptan + L-tryptophan
Severity: Moderate
Frovatriptan and L-tryptophan: 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
L-tryptophan is the precursor of serotonin and increases its synthesis. With frovatriptan, additive serotonergic stimulation could rarely lead to serotonin syndrome.
What this interaction means in plain words
Frovatriptan and L-tryptophan 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 serotonergic effects from increased serotonin synthesis and receptor agonism.
What to do
Avoid tryptophan supplements when possible during triptan use. If combined, monitor for agitation, tremor, diarrhea and hyperthermia.
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 Frovatriptan
- Almotriptan + Frovatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Frovatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Frovatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Frovatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Frovatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Frovatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Frovatriptan with L-tryptophan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Frovatriptan and L-tryptophan 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. L-tryptophan is the precursor of serotonin and increases its synthesis. With frovatriptan, additive serotonergic stimulation could rarely lead to serotonin syndrome.
How serious is the interaction between Frovatriptan and L-tryptophan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid tryptophan supplements when possible during triptan use. If combined, monitor for agitation, tremor, diarrhea and hyperthermia.
What other medicines interact with Frovatriptan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Frovatriptan with, for example, Almotriptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Frovatriptan page.
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