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Drug interactions

Naratriptan + Tranylcypromine

Severity: Major

Naratriptan and Tranylcypromine: 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

MAO inhibitors may raise triptan exposure and, with serotonergic triptans, could contribute to serotonin syndrome. Naratriptan is largely not an MAO-A substrate, so the risk is lower than with sumatriptan or rizatriptan, but labeling still advises against use with MAO inhibitors.

What this interaction means in plain words

Naratriptan and Tranylcypromine 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.

Naratriptan belongs to Central Nervous System; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive serotonergic effects and possible reduced triptan metabolism with MAO inhibition, though naratriptan is mainly cleared renally and by CYP enzymes.

What to do

Avoid if possible and use a non-serotonergic acute migraine option. If used, watch for serotonin toxicity and hypertension.

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?

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 Naratriptan with Tranylcypromine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Naratriptan and Tranylcypromine 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. MAO inhibitors may raise triptan exposure and, with serotonergic triptans, could contribute to serotonin syndrome. Naratriptan is largely not an MAO-A substrate, so the risk is lower than with sumatriptan or rizatriptan, but labeling still advises against use with MAO inhibitors.

How serious is the interaction between Naratriptan and Tranylcypromine?

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 if possible and use a non-serotonergic acute migraine option. If used, watch for serotonin toxicity and hypertension.

What other medicines interact with Tranylcypromine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Tranylcypromine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Tranylcypromine page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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