Drug interactions
Isocarboxazid + Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
Severity: Contraindicated
Isocarboxazid and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine: 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
MDMA taken by a patient on an MAOI can produce severe hypertensive crisis, hyperthermia and serotonin syndrome. Fatalities have been described with this type of combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Isocarboxazid and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine 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.
Why it happens
MDMA releases serotonin and noradrenaline while MAO inhibition blocks their breakdown, causing massive monoamine excess.
What to do
Avoid entirely and counsel the patient about the danger of recreational use; if exposure occurs, seek emergency care and monitor blood pressure, temperature and neuromuscular signs.
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 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 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Isocarboxazid and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine 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. MDMA taken by a patient on an MAOI can produce severe hypertensive crisis, hyperthermia and serotonin syndrome. Fatalities have been described with this type of combination.
How serious is the interaction between Isocarboxazid and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid entirely and counsel the patient about the danger of recreational use; if exposure occurs, seek emergency care and monitor blood pressure, temperature and neuromuscular signs.
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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