Drug interactions
Linezolid + Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
Severity: Contraindicated
Linezolid and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine: 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
MDMA causes massive serotonin and catecholamine release, and MAO inhibition by linezolid prevents their breakdown. Severe serotonin syndrome, hyperthermia and hypertensive crisis can result, with fatalities reported with MAOIs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Linezolid and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine 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
MAO inhibition combined with monoamine release causes excessive serotonergic and adrenergic stimulation.
What to do
Avoid. Patients on linezolid should be counseled against MDMA use, and anyone presenting with exposure needs urgent monitoring and supportive care.
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 Linezolid
- Amoxapine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Linezolid Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Linezolid with Methylenedioxymethamphetamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Linezolid and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine 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. MDMA causes massive serotonin and catecholamine release, and MAO inhibition by linezolid prevents their breakdown. Severe serotonin syndrome, hyperthermia and hypertensive crisis can result, with fatalities reported with MAOIs.
How serious is the interaction between Linezolid and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine?
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. Patients on linezolid should be counseled against MDMA use, and anyone presenting with exposure needs urgent monitoring and supportive care.
What other medicines interact with Linezolid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Linezolid with, for example, Amoxapine, Atomoxetine, Benzphetamine. The full list is on the Linezolid page.
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