Drug interactions
Phenelzine + Sumatriptan intranasal
Severity: Contraindicated
Phenelzine and Sumatriptan intranasal: 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
Sumatriptan is metabolized mainly by MAO-A, so phenelzine markedly raises sumatriptan exposure. Together with serotonergic effects, this raises the risk of serotonin syndrome and excessive vasoconstriction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phenelzine and Sumatriptan intranasal 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
Inhibition of MAO-A reduces sumatriptan clearance, and both drugs add to serotonergic activity.
What to do
Do not use sumatriptan during or within 2 weeks of stopping phenelzine; select a non-triptan acute migraine treatment instead.
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 Sumatriptan intranasal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Phenelzine and Sumatriptan intranasal 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. Sumatriptan is metabolized mainly by MAO-A, so phenelzine markedly raises sumatriptan exposure. Together with serotonergic effects, this raises the risk of serotonin syndrome and excessive vasoconstriction.
How serious is the interaction between Phenelzine and Sumatriptan intranasal?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use sumatriptan during or within 2 weeks of stopping phenelzine; select a non-triptan acute migraine treatment instead.
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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