Drug interactions
Nortriptyline + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Nortriptyline and Tranylcypromine: 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
Tranylcypromine, a nonselective MAOI, with nortriptyline may produce severe serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crisis, which can be fatal.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nortriptyline and Tranylcypromine 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.
Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Irreversible MAO inhibition plus tricyclic reuptake blockade leads to excessive synaptic monoamines.
What to do
Do not use together; allow at least 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine before nortriptyline, and follow labeled intervals in reverse.
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 Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nortriptyline with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Nortriptyline and Tranylcypromine 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. Tranylcypromine, a nonselective MAOI, with nortriptyline may produce severe serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crisis, which can be fatal.
How serious is the interaction between Nortriptyline and Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use together; allow at least 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine before nortriptyline, and follow labeled intervals in reverse.
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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