Drug interactions
L-tryptophan + Maprotiline
Severity: Moderate
L-tryptophan and Maprotiline: moderate 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
L-tryptophan is a serotonin precursor, and adding it to an antidepressant that increases monoaminergic neurotransmission may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Maprotiline is only weakly serotonergic, so risk is probably modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
L-tryptophan and Maprotiline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Increased serotonin synthesis combined with inhibition of monoamine reuptake.
What to do
Avoid unsupervised supplement use with the antidepressant. If combined, monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia and hyperthermia.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Maprotiline
- Arsenic trioxide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Maprotiline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take L-tryptophan with Maprotiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. L-tryptophan and Maprotiline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. L-tryptophan is a serotonin precursor, and adding it to an antidepressant that increases monoaminergic neurotransmission may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Maprotiline is only weakly serotonergic, so risk is probably modest.
How serious is the interaction between L-tryptophan and Maprotiline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid unsupervised supplement use with the antidepressant. If combined, monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia and hyperthermia.
What other medicines interact with Maprotiline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Maprotiline with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Maprotiline page.
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