Drug interactions
Levorphanol + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Major
Levorphanol and Tranylcypromine: major 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
Levorphanol with an MAO inhibitor can cause excessive CNS and respiratory depression, blood pressure instability and possibly serotonin syndrome. Opioid labeling cautions against use during or shortly after MAOI therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levorphanol and Tranylcypromine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition may potentiate opioid effects and serotonergic activity; the exact mechanism is not fully established.
What to do
Avoid during tranylcypromine therapy and for 14 days after stopping it; use an alternative analgesic. If unavoidable, use small titrated doses and monitor respiration, sedation and blood pressure.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Levorphanol and Tranylcypromine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levorphanol with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Levorphanol and Tranylcypromine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Levorphanol with an MAO inhibitor can cause excessive CNS and respiratory depression, blood pressure instability and possibly serotonin syndrome. Opioid labeling cautions against use during or shortly after MAOI therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Levorphanol and Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid during tranylcypromine therapy and for 14 days after stopping it; use an alternative analgesic. If unavoidable, use small titrated doses and monitor respiration, sedation and blood pressure.
What other medicines interact with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tranylcypromine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Tranylcypromine page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
