Drug interactions
Sumatriptan + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Sumatriptan 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 blocks MAO-A, the principal pathway for sumatriptan clearance, causing markedly higher and prolonged sumatriptan exposure. Serotonergic toxicity and excessive vasoconstriction become more likely. Labeling prohibits use during and within 2 weeks after MAOI treatment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sumatriptan 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.
Sumatriptan belongs to Central Nervous System; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Irreversible MAO-A inhibition reduces sumatriptan metabolism and adds additive serotonergic activity.
What to do
Avoid the combination and wait at least 2 weeks after stopping tranylcypromine before using sumatriptan. Choose an alternative acute migraine therapy that does not depend on MAO or act on serotonin.
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 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 Sumatriptan with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Sumatriptan 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 blocks MAO-A, the principal pathway for sumatriptan clearance, causing markedly higher and prolonged sumatriptan exposure. Serotonergic toxicity and excessive vasoconstriction become more likely. Labeling prohibits use during and within 2 weeks after MAOI treatment.
How serious is the interaction between Sumatriptan 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 and wait at least 2 weeks after stopping tranylcypromine before using sumatriptan. Choose an alternative acute migraine therapy that does not depend on MAO or act on serotonin.
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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