Drug interactions
Levomilnacipran + Phenelzine
Severity: Contraindicated
Levomilnacipran and Phenelzine: 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
Combining an MAOI with a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor can cause serotonin syndrome, with hyperthermia, rigidity, autonomic instability, agitation and seizures, and can be fatal. Hypertensive effects may also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levomilnacipran and Phenelzine 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.
Levomilnacipran belongs to Central Nervous System; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Phenelzine blocks monoamine breakdown while levomilnacipran blocks serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, producing excessive serotonergic and noradrenergic activity.
What to do
Do not use together. Allow at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting levomilnacipran, and at least 7 days after stopping levomilnacipran before starting phenelzine.
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 Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Levomilnacipran
- Isocarboxazid + Levomilnacipran Contraindicated
- Levomilnacipran + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Levomilnacipran + Methylthioninium chloride Contraindicated
- Levomilnacipran + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Levomilnacipran + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Levomilnacipran + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levomilnacipran with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Levomilnacipran and Phenelzine 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. Combining an MAOI with a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor can cause serotonin syndrome, with hyperthermia, rigidity, autonomic instability, agitation and seizures, and can be fatal. Hypertensive effects may also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Levomilnacipran and Phenelzine?
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 use together. Allow at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting levomilnacipran, and at least 7 days after stopping levomilnacipran before starting phenelzine.
What other medicines interact with Phenelzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenelzine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Phenelzine page.
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