Drug interactions
Phenelzine + Protriptyline
Severity: Contraindicated
Phenelzine and Protriptyline: 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
Protriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, inhibits norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake. Combined with an MAOI it can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crisis. Labeling contraindicates the combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenelzine and Protriptyline 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.
Why it happens
Reuptake inhibition plus MAO inhibition causes excessive synaptic monoamine accumulation.
What to do
Avoid. Allow at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting protriptyline, and likewise in the reverse order unless specialist-supervised.
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 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 Phenelzine with Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Phenelzine and Protriptyline 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. Protriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, inhibits norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake. Combined with an MAOI it can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crisis. Labeling contraindicates the combination.
How serious is the interaction between Phenelzine and Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid. Allow at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting protriptyline, and likewise in the reverse order unless specialist-supervised.
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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