Drug interactions
Maprotiline + Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
Severity: Major
Maprotiline and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine: 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
MDMA releases serotonin and norepinephrine, while maprotiline blocks norepinephrine reuptake. Together they can produce excessive sympathetic stimulation, with hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmia and possible serotonin toxicity. The effect of MDMA may also be unpredictably altered.
What this interaction means in plain words
Maprotiline and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine 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
Maprotiline blocks norepinephrine reuptake and the uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into adrenergic neurons, altering and potentially amplifying MDMA's monoamine-releasing effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination; MDMA is an illicit substance, so counsel the patient against its use. If exposure occurs, monitor blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and signs of serotonin toxicity.
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 Maprotiline and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, 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 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Maprotiline
- Arsenic trioxide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Maprotiline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Maprotiline with Methylenedioxymethamphetamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Maprotiline and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine 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. MDMA releases serotonin and norepinephrine, while maprotiline blocks norepinephrine reuptake. Together they can produce excessive sympathetic stimulation, with hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmia and possible serotonin toxicity. The effect of MDMA may also be unpredictably altered.
How serious is the interaction between Maprotiline and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine?
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 the combination; MDMA is an illicit substance, so counsel the patient against its use. If exposure occurs, monitor blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and signs of serotonin toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Maprotiline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Maprotiline with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Maprotiline 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.
