Drug interactions
Rizatriptan + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Rizatriptan and Tranylcypromine: 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
Tranylcypromine inhibits MAO-A, the main enzyme that clears rizatriptan, so rizatriptan exposure rises substantially. The combination also adds serotonergic activity, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome and vasoconstrictive effects. Labeling contraindicates use during and for 2 weeks after MAOI therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rizatriptan 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.
Rizatriptan belongs to Central Nervous System; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Nonselective irreversible MAO inhibition blocks the MAO-A-mediated metabolism of rizatriptan and adds serotonergic effects.
What to do
Do not co-administer, and do not give rizatriptan within 2 weeks of stopping tranylcypromine. Use a non-serotonergic acute migraine option and manage blood pressure and headache with the prescriber's guidance.
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 Tranylcypromine
- 5-HTP + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Rizatriptan
- Almotriptan + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Rizatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rizatriptan with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Rizatriptan 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. Tranylcypromine inhibits MAO-A, the main enzyme that clears rizatriptan, so rizatriptan exposure rises substantially. The combination also adds serotonergic activity, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome and vasoconstrictive effects. Labeling contraindicates use during and for 2 weeks after MAOI therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Rizatriptan 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: Do not co-administer, and do not give rizatriptan within 2 weeks of stopping tranylcypromine. Use a non-serotonergic acute migraine option and manage blood pressure and headache with the prescriber's guidance.
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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