Drug interactions
Phenelzine + Secobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Phenelzine and Secobarbital: moderate 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
MAO inhibitors may prolong and intensify the effects of barbiturates, leading to excessive sedation. The interaction is mainly theoretical but sedation could be significant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenelzine and Secobarbital can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibitors may inhibit barbiturate metabolism and add to CNS depression.
What to do
Start with reduced secobarbital doses and monitor for excessive sedation and hypotension.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
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 Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phenelzine and Secobarbital can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. MAO inhibitors may prolong and intensify the effects of barbiturates, leading to excessive sedation. The interaction is mainly theoretical but sedation could be significant.
How serious is the interaction between Phenelzine and Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start with reduced secobarbital doses and monitor for excessive sedation and hypotension.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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