Drug interactions
Lorazepam + Nortriptyline
Severity: Moderate
Lorazepam and Nortriptyline: 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
Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant with sedative properties, and with lorazepam it can increase drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. Older patients are more vulnerable to confusion, dizziness and falls.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lorazepam and Nortriptyline 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.
Lorazepam belongs to Central Nervous System; Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from GABA-A potentiation and the antihistaminic and anticholinergic effects of the tricyclic.
What to do
Monitor for oversedation and orthostatic dizziness, especially when starting or increasing doses. Counsel on driving and alcohol.
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 Lorazepam
Other interactions of Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lorazepam with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lorazepam and Nortriptyline 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. Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant with sedative properties, and with lorazepam it can increase drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. Older patients are more vulnerable to confusion, dizziness and falls.
How serious is the interaction between Lorazepam and Nortriptyline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for oversedation and orthostatic dizziness, especially when starting or increasing doses. Counsel on driving and alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Lorazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lorazepam with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Lorazepam page.
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