Drug interactions
Guanfacine + Nortriptyline
Severity: Moderate
Guanfacine 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
Tricyclic antidepressants may blunt the antihypertensive effect of centrally acting alpha-2 agonists. Reduced blood pressure control or loss of effect on ADHD symptoms may occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Guanfacine 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.
Guanfacine belongs to Cardiovascular; Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Tricyclics may block neuronal uptake and antagonize alpha-2 agonist effects, while also contributing additive sedation.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and clinical response, and adjust the guanfacine dose if effect is lost. Consider another antihypertensive if control is inadequate.
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 Guanfacine
- Clonidine + Guanfacine Major
- Guanfacine + Lofexidine Major
- Aldesleukin + Guanfacine Moderate
- Amiodarone + Guanfacine Moderate
- Amisulpride + Guanfacine Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Guanfacine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Guanfacine with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Guanfacine 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. Tricyclic antidepressants may blunt the antihypertensive effect of centrally acting alpha-2 agonists. Reduced blood pressure control or loss of effect on ADHD symptoms may occur.
How serious is the interaction between Guanfacine 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: Monitor blood pressure and clinical response, and adjust the guanfacine dose if effect is lost. Consider another antihypertensive if control is inadequate.
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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