Drug interactions
Protriptyline + Sumatriptan
Severity: Moderate
Protriptyline and Sumatriptan: 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
Protriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that blocks serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, so combining it with sumatriptan may rarely cause serotonin syndrome.
What this interaction means in plain words
Protriptyline and Sumatriptan 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.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity through reuptake inhibition and 5-HT1 agonism.
What to do
Counsel on symptoms and monitor after starting or changing doses. Discontinue the agents and give supportive care if serotonin syndrome occurs.
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 Sumatriptan
- Almotriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Protriptyline with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Protriptyline and Sumatriptan 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. Protriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that blocks serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, so combining it with sumatriptan may rarely cause serotonin syndrome.
How serious is the interaction between Protriptyline and Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel on symptoms and monitor after starting or changing doses. Discontinue the agents and give supportive care if serotonin syndrome occurs.
What other medicines interact with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sumatriptan with, for example, Almotriptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Sumatriptan page.
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