Skip to content

Drug interactions

Isocarboxazid + Lorcaserin

Severity: Major

Isocarboxazid and Lorcaserin: 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

Lorcaserin is a serotonin 5-HT2C agonist, and using it with an MAOI raises the risk of serotonin syndrome. Features include agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, autonomic instability and neuromuscular hyperactivity.

What this interaction means in plain words

Isocarboxazid and Lorcaserin 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive serotonergic effects from MAO inhibition (reduced serotonin breakdown) together with direct 5-HT2C receptor agonism.

What to do

Avoid concurrent use; allow a washout of at least 14 days after stopping the MAOI before starting lorcaserin. Select an alternative weight-management approach.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Isocarboxazid and Lorcaserin, 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.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Isocarboxazid with Lorcaserin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Isocarboxazid and Lorcaserin 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. Lorcaserin is a serotonin 5-HT2C agonist, and using it with an MAOI raises the risk of serotonin syndrome. Features include agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, autonomic instability and neuromuscular hyperactivity.

How serious is the interaction between Isocarboxazid and Lorcaserin?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use; allow a washout of at least 14 days after stopping the MAOI before starting lorcaserin. Select an alternative weight-management approach.

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.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in