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Drug interactions

Molindone + Phenelzine

Severity: Moderate

Molindone and Phenelzine: 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

Combining a monoamine oxidase inhibitor with a dopamine-blocking antipsychotic may increase the risk of serotonin toxicity and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Both are uncommon but potentially serious, presenting with altered mental status, autonomic instability, hyperthermia and neuromuscular abnormalities.

What this interaction means in plain words

Molindone and Phenelzine 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive pharmacodynamic effects of increased monoamine availability from MAO inhibition with dopamine D2 blockade; the exact mechanism is not fully established.

What to do

If the combination is needed, start molindone at a low dose and titrate slowly. Monitor for agitation, clonus, hyperthermia, rigidity and autonomic instability, and stop both drugs if toxicity is suspected.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Molindone with Phenelzine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Molindone and Phenelzine 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. Combining a monoamine oxidase inhibitor with a dopamine-blocking antipsychotic may increase the risk of serotonin toxicity and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Both are uncommon but potentially serious, presenting with altered mental status, autonomic instability, hyperthermia and neuromuscular abnormalities.

How serious is the interaction between Molindone and Phenelzine?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If the combination is needed, start molindone at a low dose and titrate slowly. Monitor for agitation, clonus, hyperthermia, rigidity and autonomic instability, and stop both drugs if toxicity is suspected.

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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