Drug interactions
Mirtazapine + Phenelzine
Severity: Contraindicated
Mirtazapine and Phenelzine: contraindicated 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
Combining mirtazapine with a nonselective MAO inhibitor can cause serotonin syndrome, with hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability. Mirtazapine labeling contraindicates use with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping one.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mirtazapine 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.
Mirtazapine belongs to Central Nervous System; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Irreversible MAO inhibition increases monoamine levels, which adds to the serotonergic and noradrenergic effects of mirtazapine.
What to do
Do not coadminister. Wait at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting mirtazapine, and at least 14 days after stopping mirtazapine before starting phenelzine.
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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Other interactions of Mirtazapine
- Isocarboxazid + Mirtazapine Contraindicated
- Mirtazapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Mirtazapine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Mirtazapine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Mirtazapine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Mirtazapine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
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 Mirtazapine with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Mirtazapine 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. Combining mirtazapine with a nonselective MAO inhibitor can cause serotonin syndrome, with hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus and autonomic instability. Mirtazapine labeling contraindicates use with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping one.
How serious is the interaction between Mirtazapine 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: Do not coadminister. Wait at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting mirtazapine, and at least 14 days after stopping mirtazapine before starting phenelzine.
What other medicines interact with Mirtazapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mirtazapine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Pimozide, Procarbazine. The full list is on the Mirtazapine page.
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