Drug interactions
Isocarboxazid + St john's wort
Severity: Contraindicated
Isocarboxazid and St john's wort: 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
St John's wort has serotonergic activity and combined with an MAOI may cause serotonin syndrome. Severe cases involve hyperthermia, rigidity and autonomic instability.
What this interaction means in plain words
Isocarboxazid and St john's wort 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
Inhibition of monoamine reuptake by the herb adds to MAO inhibition, increasing synaptic serotonin.
What to do
Avoid the combination and ask patients about herbal use; stop the herb and monitor for serotonin toxicity if taken together.
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 St john's wort?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Isocarboxazid and St john's wort 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. St John's wort has serotonergic activity and combined with an MAOI may cause serotonin syndrome. Severe cases involve hyperthermia, rigidity and autonomic instability.
How serious is the interaction between Isocarboxazid and St john's wort?
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 the combination and ask patients about herbal use; stop the herb and monitor for serotonin toxicity if taken together.
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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