Drug interactions
Tramadol + Tranylcypromine
Severity: Contraindicated
Tramadol 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, an irreversible non-selective MAOI, with tramadol can cause serotonin syndrome, seizures, and severe blood pressure and temperature changes. Fatal cases are described with MAOIs and serotonergic opioids.
What this interaction means in plain words
Tramadol 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.
Tramadol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Irreversible MAO inhibition combined with tramadol's serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition causes excessive serotonergic stimulation.
What to do
Do not co-administer, and avoid tramadol for 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine. Use a non-serotonergic analgesic.
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 Tramadol
- Isocarboxazid + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Tramadol Contraindicated
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 Tramadol with Tranylcypromine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Tramadol 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, an irreversible non-selective MAOI, with tramadol can cause serotonin syndrome, seizures, and severe blood pressure and temperature changes. Fatal cases are described with MAOIs and serotonergic opioids.
How serious is the interaction between Tramadol 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 avoid tramadol for 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine. Use a non-serotonergic analgesic.
What other medicines interact with Tramadol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tramadol with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Tramadol page.
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