Drug interactions
Nortriptyline + Yohimbe
Severity: Major
Nortriptyline and Yohimbe: major 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
Yohimbine increases noradrenergic activity through alpha-2 blockade, and nortriptyline blocks noradrenaline reuptake. The combination can cause unpredictable blood pressure changes, tachycardia and anxiety.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nortriptyline and Yohimbe can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive noradrenergic effects from alpha-2 blockade and reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Avoid yohimbe in patients taking nortriptyline. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate if exposure occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Yohimbe?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Nortriptyline and Yohimbe can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Yohimbine increases noradrenergic activity through alpha-2 blockade, and nortriptyline blocks noradrenaline reuptake. The combination can cause unpredictable blood pressure changes, tachycardia and anxiety.
How serious is the interaction between Nortriptyline and Yohimbe?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid yohimbe in patients taking nortriptyline. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate if exposure 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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