Drug interactions
Isocarboxazid + Opium tincture
Severity: Major
Isocarboxazid and Opium tincture: 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
Opioids given with MAOIs can cause serotonin syndrome or exaggerated opioid effects such as severe respiratory depression, coma and hypotension. Opium tincture contains morphine, so additive CNS depression and unpredictable reactions are possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Isocarboxazid and Opium tincture 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.
Why it happens
Probable additive CNS depression and serotonergic effects; the precise mechanism for morphine-type opioids with MAOIs is unclear.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use and for 14 days after stopping the MAOI; choose an alternative therapy. If an opioid is essential, use cautious low-dose titration with monitoring of respiration, blood pressure and temperature.
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?
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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 Opium tincture?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Isocarboxazid and Opium tincture 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. Opioids given with MAOIs can cause serotonin syndrome or exaggerated opioid effects such as severe respiratory depression, coma and hypotension. Opium tincture contains morphine, so additive CNS depression and unpredictable reactions are possible.
How serious is the interaction between Isocarboxazid and Opium tincture?
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 and for 14 days after stopping the MAOI; choose an alternative therapy. If an opioid is essential, use cautious low-dose titration with monitoring of respiration, blood pressure and temperature.
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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