Drug interactions
Nortriptyline + Scullcap
Severity: Minor
Nortriptyline and Scullcap: 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
Skullcap has traditional sedative properties, so combining it with nortriptyline may increase drowsiness. Evidence is limited and based largely on theoretical additive effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nortriptyline and Scullcap have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Theoretical additive CNS depressant effects.
What to do
Advise patients to watch for excess sedation and avoid driving until response is known. Consider stopping the herbal product if drowsiness occurs.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nortriptyline with Scullcap?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Nortriptyline and Scullcap have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Skullcap has traditional sedative properties, so combining it with nortriptyline may increase drowsiness. Evidence is limited and based largely on theoretical additive effects.
How serious is the interaction between Nortriptyline and Scullcap?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to watch for excess sedation and avoid driving until response is known. Consider stopping the herbal product if drowsiness occurs.
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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