Drug interactions
Nortriptyline + Rizatriptan
Severity: Minor
Nortriptyline and Rizatriptan: minor 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 tricyclic antidepressant with a triptan could in theory raise serotonergic activity and lead to serotonin syndrome. Reports of this are uncommon, and the pair is frequently used together for migraine prevention and acute treatment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nortriptyline and Rizatriptan have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Rizatriptan belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from tricyclic reuptake inhibition and triptan 5-HT1B/1D agonism, which is largely theoretical.
What to do
Counsel the patient to report agitation, tremor, sweating, diarrhea or fever after a dose. Avoid exceeding the labeled triptan dosing limits.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Rizatriptan
- Almotriptan + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nortriptyline with Rizatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Nortriptyline and Rizatriptan have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Combining a tricyclic antidepressant with a triptan could in theory raise serotonergic activity and lead to serotonin syndrome. Reports of this are uncommon, and the pair is frequently used together for migraine prevention and acute treatment.
How serious is the interaction between Nortriptyline and Rizatriptan?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel the patient to report agitation, tremor, sweating, diarrhea or fever after a dose. Avoid exceeding the labeled triptan dosing limits.
What other medicines interact with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nortriptyline with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Nortriptyline page.
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