Drug interactions
Maprotiline + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Maprotiline and Phenobarbital: 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
Phenobarbital adds to the sedative effect of maprotiline and may impair alertness. As a strong enzyme inducer it can lower maprotiline levels and weaken antidepressant response. Maprotiline can lower the seizure threshold, which may counteract anticonvulsant control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Maprotiline and Phenobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and phenobarbital induction of CYP-mediated maprotiline metabolism.
What to do
Monitor sedation, seizure control and antidepressant response, and adjust maprotiline dose if needed. Consider checking phenobarbital levels if seizure frequency changes.
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 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 Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Maprotiline and Phenobarbital 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. Phenobarbital adds to the sedative effect of maprotiline and may impair alertness. As a strong enzyme inducer it can lower maprotiline levels and weaken antidepressant response. Maprotiline can lower the seizure threshold, which may counteract anticonvulsant control.
How serious is the interaction between Maprotiline and Phenobarbital?
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 sedation, seizure control and antidepressant response, and adjust maprotiline dose if needed. Consider checking phenobarbital levels if seizure frequency changes.
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.
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