Drug interactions
Hydroxyzine + Isocarboxazid
Severity: Moderate
Hydroxyzine and Isocarboxazid: 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
Hydroxyzine is sedating and anticholinergic, and an MAO inhibitor may prolong and intensify these effects. Patients can experience excessive drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention and confusion.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydroxyzine and Isocarboxazid 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.
Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory; Isocarboxazid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant and anticholinergic effects, with MAO inhibition potentially prolonging antihistamine activity.
What to do
Use the lowest effective hydroxyzine dose and monitor for sedation and anticholinergic effects, or select a non-sedating alternative. Counsel patients to avoid driving and alcohol.
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 Isocarboxazid
- 5-HTP + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Apraclonidine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
Other interactions of Hydroxyzine
- Droperidol + Hydroxyzine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydroxyzine Major
- Amiodarone + Hydroxyzine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydroxyzine with Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydroxyzine and Isocarboxazid 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. Hydroxyzine is sedating and anticholinergic, and an MAO inhibitor may prolong and intensify these effects. Patients can experience excessive drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention and confusion.
How serious is the interaction between Hydroxyzine and Isocarboxazid?
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 hydroxyzine dose and monitor for sedation and anticholinergic effects, or select a non-sedating alternative. Counsel patients to avoid driving and alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Isocarboxazid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Isocarboxazid with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Isocarboxazid page.
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