Drug interactions
Nefazodone + Phenelzine
Severity: Contraindicated
Nefazodone 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
Nefazodone inhibits serotonin reuptake and blocks 5-HT2A receptors, and when added to an MAOI it can trigger serotonin syndrome. Labeling contraindicates concurrent use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nefazodone 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
Serotonin reuptake inhibition combined with MAO inhibition raises synaptic serotonin excessively.
What to do
Avoid the combination. Allow at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting nefazodone, and at least 7 days after stopping nefazodone 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 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 Nefazodone with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Nefazodone 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. Nefazodone inhibits serotonin reuptake and blocks 5-HT2A receptors, and when added to an MAOI it can trigger serotonin syndrome. Labeling contraindicates concurrent use.
How serious is the interaction between Nefazodone 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 the combination. Allow at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting nefazodone, and at least 7 days after stopping nefazodone before starting phenelzine.
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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