Drug interactions
Isocarboxazid + Ketamine
Severity: Major
Isocarboxazid and Ketamine: major 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
Ketamine can raise heart rate and blood pressure through sympathetic stimulation, and in a patient on an MAO inhibitor this may be exaggerated, leading to hypertensive episodes. Unpredictable CNS effects have also been described.
What this interaction means in plain words
Isocarboxazid and Ketamine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Isocarboxazid belongs to Central Nervous System; Ketamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic synergism of sympathomimetic effects with MAO inhibition, which increases catecholamine availability.
What to do
Inform the anesthesia team about MAO inhibitor use and prefer an alternative agent when possible. If ketamine is required, use a reduced dose with continuous hemodynamic monitoring and have antihypertensive treatment available.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Isocarboxazid and Ketamine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Ketamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Isocarboxazid with Ketamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Isocarboxazid and Ketamine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Ketamine can raise heart rate and blood pressure through sympathetic stimulation, and in a patient on an MAO inhibitor this may be exaggerated, leading to hypertensive episodes. Unpredictable CNS effects have also been described.
How serious is the interaction between Isocarboxazid and Ketamine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Inform the anesthesia team about MAO inhibitor use and prefer an alternative agent when possible. If ketamine is required, use a reduced dose with continuous hemodynamic monitoring and have antihypertensive treatment available.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
