Drug interactions
Lithium + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Major
Lithium and Tranylcypromine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Lithium enhances serotonergic transmission, and adding it to a non-selective MAO inhibitor may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. The combination is sometimes used in resistant depression under specialist supervision.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium 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.
Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from MAO inhibition and lithium's enhancement of serotonin neurotransmission.
What to do
Use only under specialist supervision with careful monitoring for serotonin toxicity such as tremor, clonus, hyperthermia and agitation. Check lithium levels regularly.
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?
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References
Other interactions of Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lithium with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lithium 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. Lithium enhances serotonergic transmission, and adding it to a non-selective MAO inhibitor may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. The combination is sometimes used in resistant depression under specialist supervision.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium 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: Use only under specialist supervision with careful monitoring for serotonin toxicity such as tremor, clonus, hyperthermia and agitation. Check lithium levels regularly.
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.
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