Drug interactions
Isocarboxazid + Tetrabenazine
Severity: Contraindicated
Isocarboxazid and Tetrabenazine: 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
Tetrabenazine depletes monoamine stores and may release noradrenaline, and with an MAOI this can cause hypertensive episodes. Paradoxically it may also contribute to depression and unpredictable cardiovascular effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Isocarboxazid and Tetrabenazine 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; Tetrabenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
VMAT2 inhibition releases noradrenaline into the cytoplasm and synapse, where MAO inhibition prevents its metabolism.
What to do
Avoid; separate by at least 14 days after stopping the MAOI before giving tetrabenazine.
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
Other interactions of Tetrabenazine
- Dronedarone + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Isocarboxazid with Tetrabenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Isocarboxazid and Tetrabenazine 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. Tetrabenazine depletes monoamine stores and may release noradrenaline, and with an MAOI this can cause hypertensive episodes. Paradoxically it may also contribute to depression and unpredictable cardiovascular effects.
How serious is the interaction between Isocarboxazid and Tetrabenazine?
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; separate by at least 14 days after stopping the MAOI before giving tetrabenazine.
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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