Drug interactions
Gabapentin + Nortriptyline
Severity: Moderate
Gabapentin and Nortriptyline: 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
Combined use increases sedation and dizziness, and CNS depressant combinations can contribute to respiratory depression, especially in older or frail patients or those with lung disease. Impaired psychomotor function and falls are practical concerns.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gabapentin and Nortriptyline 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.
Gabapentin belongs to Central Nervous System; Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from pharmacodynamic synergism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and titrate slowly. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression, particularly in patients with respiratory risk or other CNS depressants.
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 Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Gabapentin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gabapentin with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Gabapentin and Nortriptyline 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. Combined use increases sedation and dizziness, and CNS depressant combinations can contribute to respiratory depression, especially in older or frail patients or those with lung disease. Impaired psychomotor function and falls are practical concerns.
How serious is the interaction between Gabapentin and Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and titrate slowly. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression, particularly in patients with respiratory risk or other CNS depressants.
What other medicines interact with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nortriptyline with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Nortriptyline page.
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