Drug interactions
Nortriptyline + Sumatriptan
Severity: Minor
Nortriptyline and Sumatriptan: 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
Concurrent tricyclic antidepressant and sumatriptan use carries a theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome. Clinical cases are rare, and the combination is commonly used in migraine care.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nortriptyline and Sumatriptan 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; Sumatriptan 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
Advise the patient to seek review if agitation, tremor, sweating, diarrhea or hyperthermia develops. Keep sumatriptan within labeled maximum daily doses.
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 Sumatriptan
- Almotriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nortriptyline with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Nortriptyline and Sumatriptan have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Concurrent tricyclic antidepressant and sumatriptan use carries a theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome. Clinical cases are rare, and the combination is commonly used in migraine care.
How serious is the interaction between Nortriptyline and Sumatriptan?
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 the patient to seek review if agitation, tremor, sweating, diarrhea or hyperthermia develops. Keep sumatriptan within labeled maximum daily doses.
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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