Drug interactions
Green tea + Phenelzine
Severity: Moderate
Green tea and Phenelzine: 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
Green tea contains caffeine, and to a lesser extent other stimulants, which can raise blood pressure and heart rate when taken with an MAOI. Large amounts or concentrated extracts may precipitate hypertensive reactions or arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Green tea and Phenelzine 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.
Green tea belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Caffeine and catechins promote sympathetic stimulation, and MAO inhibition potentiates the pressor effect of released catecholamines.
What to do
Limit green tea and avoid concentrated extracts or supplements during MAOI therapy. Advise patients to report headache, palpitations or severe hypertension.
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 Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Green tea
- Adenosine + Green tea Moderate
- Benzphetamine + Green tea Moderate
- Bortezomib + Green tea Moderate
- Dextroamphetamine + Green tea Moderate
- Diethylpropion + Green tea Moderate
- Ephedrine + Green tea Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Green tea with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Green tea and Phenelzine 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. Green tea contains caffeine, and to a lesser extent other stimulants, which can raise blood pressure and heart rate when taken with an MAOI. Large amounts or concentrated extracts may precipitate hypertensive reactions or arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Green tea and Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit green tea and avoid concentrated extracts or supplements during MAOI therapy. Advise patients to report headache, palpitations or severe hypertension.
What other medicines interact with Phenelzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenelzine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Phenelzine page.
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