Drug interactions
Protriptyline + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Protriptyline and Tranylcypromine: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Tricyclic antidepressants with an MAO inhibitor can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crisis. Severe and fatal reactions have been described, and labeling contraindicates the combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Protriptyline and Tranylcypromine 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
Protriptyline blocks norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake while tranylcypromine blocks monoamine degradation, giving additive monoamine excess.
What to do
Avoid the combination. Allow 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine before starting protriptyline, and a similar interval in the reverse order.
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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References
Other interactions of Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Protriptyline with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Protriptyline and Tranylcypromine 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. Tricyclic antidepressants with an MAO inhibitor can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crisis. Severe and fatal reactions have been described, and labeling contraindicates the combination.
How serious is the interaction between Protriptyline and Tranylcypromine?
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 the combination. Allow 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine before starting protriptyline, and a similar interval in the reverse order.
What other medicines interact with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tranylcypromine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Tranylcypromine page.
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