Drug interactions
Tetrabenazine + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Tetrabenazine 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
Tetrabenazine depletes monoamine stores by blocking VMAT2, and MAO inhibition can lead to norepinephrine accumulation and release, causing hypertensive episodes. Labeling contraindicates use with MAOIs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Tetrabenazine 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.
Tetrabenazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Tetrabenazine-driven catecholamine release in the setting of blocked MAO metabolism causes an exaggerated pressor response.
What to do
Do not co-administer. Allow at least 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine before starting tetrabenazine.
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 Tetrabenazine
- Dronedarone + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Tetrabenazine with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Tetrabenazine 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. Tetrabenazine depletes monoamine stores by blocking VMAT2, and MAO inhibition can lead to norepinephrine accumulation and release, causing hypertensive episodes. Labeling contraindicates use with MAOIs.
How serious is the interaction between Tetrabenazine 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. Allow at least 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine before starting tetrabenazine.
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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