Drug interactions
Nortriptyline + Zolmitriptan
Severity: Minor
Nortriptyline and Zolmitriptan: 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
Using a tricyclic antidepressant with zolmitriptan carries a theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome. Documented cases are rare, and the combination is often used in practice.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nortriptyline and Zolmitriptan 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; Zolmitriptan 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
Educate the patient on early signs of serotonin toxicity such as agitation, tremor, sweating and diarrhea. Stay within labeled zolmitriptan dose 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 Zolmitriptan
- Almotriptan + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Zolmitriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nortriptyline with Zolmitriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Nortriptyline and Zolmitriptan have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Using a tricyclic antidepressant with zolmitriptan carries a theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome. Documented cases are rare, and the combination is often used in practice.
How serious is the interaction between Nortriptyline and Zolmitriptan?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Educate the patient on early signs of serotonin toxicity such as agitation, tremor, sweating and diarrhea. Stay within labeled zolmitriptan dose 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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