Drug interactions
Isocarboxazid + Protriptyline
Severity: Contraindicated
Isocarboxazid and Protriptyline: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Protriptyline with an MAOI can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crises, which may be fatal. Symptoms include hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus and altered consciousness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Isocarboxazid and Protriptyline 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
Reuptake inhibition of noradrenaline and serotonin combined with irreversible MAO inhibition.
What to do
Do not combine; allow at least 14 days after stopping isocarboxazid before protriptyline, and a suitable washout of protriptyline before the MAOI.
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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References
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 Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Isocarboxazid and Protriptyline 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. Protriptyline with an MAOI can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crises, which may be fatal. Symptoms include hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus and altered consciousness.
How serious is the interaction between Isocarboxazid and Protriptyline?
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 combine; allow at least 14 days after stopping isocarboxazid before protriptyline, and a suitable washout of protriptyline before the MAOI.
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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