Drug interactions
Isocarboxazid + Methadone
Severity: Contraindicated
Isocarboxazid and Methadone: contraindicated 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
Combining methadone with a nonselective MAO inhibitor risks serotonin toxicity, hypotension, hyperthermia, marked sedation and respiratory depression. Methadone's labeling warns against use with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping one.
What this interaction means in plain words
Isocarboxazid and Methadone are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Isocarboxazid belongs to Central Nervous System; Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition combined with methadone's serotonergic activity may precipitate serotonin syndrome, plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Do not use together or within 14 days of stopping the MAOI. Use a non-serotonergic analgesic or opioid-treatment alternative.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Methadone Contraindicated
Other interactions of Isocarboxazid
- 5-HTP + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Apraclonidine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Isocarboxazid with Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Isocarboxazid and Methadone are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Combining methadone with a nonselective MAO inhibitor risks serotonin toxicity, hypotension, hyperthermia, marked sedation and respiratory depression. Methadone's labeling warns against use with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping one.
How serious is the interaction between Isocarboxazid and Methadone?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use together or within 14 days of stopping the MAOI. Use a non-serotonergic analgesic or opioid-treatment alternative.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
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