Drug interactions
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine + Phenelzine
Severity: Contraindicated
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and Phenelzine: contraindicated 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
MDMA releases serotonin and norepinephrine, and MAO inhibition prevents their breakdown. This can cause severe hypertension, hyperthermia and serotonin syndrome, with fatalities reported with MAOI and MDMA use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and Phenelzine 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
MDMA-induced monoamine release is amplified by irreversible MAO inhibition, leading to excess serotonergic and adrenergic stimulation.
What to do
Avoid entirely and counsel patients about the danger. Treat suspected toxicity as an emergency with cooling, benzodiazepines and blood pressure control.
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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References
Other interactions of Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methylenedioxymethamphetamine with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and Phenelzine 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 releases serotonin and norepinephrine, and MAO inhibition prevents their breakdown. This can cause severe hypertension, hyperthermia and serotonin syndrome, with fatalities reported with MAOI and MDMA use.
How serious is the interaction between Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and Phenelzine?
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 entirely and counsel patients about the danger. Treat suspected toxicity as an emergency with cooling, benzodiazepines and blood pressure control.
What other medicines interact with Phenelzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenelzine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Phenelzine page.
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