Drug interactions
Papaveretum + Phenelzine
Severity: Major
Papaveretum and Phenelzine: 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
Papaveretum contains morphine and other opium alkaloids. With MAOIs, opioids may cause serotonin toxicity or severe CNS and respiratory depression and blood pressure changes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Papaveretum and Phenelzine 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
Probably serotonergic effects and potentiated opioid CNS depression under MAO inhibition; not fully defined.
What to do
Avoid during and for 14 days after phenelzine. If unavoidable, use small test doses and monitor respiration and blood pressure.
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 Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Papaveretum with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Papaveretum and Phenelzine 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. Papaveretum contains morphine and other opium alkaloids. With MAOIs, opioids may cause serotonin toxicity or severe CNS and respiratory depression and blood pressure changes.
How serious is the interaction between Papaveretum and Phenelzine?
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 during and for 14 days after phenelzine. If unavoidable, use small test doses and monitor respiration and blood pressure.
What other medicines interact with Phenelzine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Phenelzine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Phenelzine page.
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