Drug interactions
Tranylcypromine + Tyramine
Severity: Contraindicated
Tranylcypromine and Tyramine: 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
Dietary tyramine is normally broken down by MAO in the gut and liver. With a nonselective MAO inhibitor, tyramine enters the circulation and releases norepinephrine, which can cause severe hypertensive crisis with headache and risk of stroke.
What this interaction means in plain words
Tranylcypromine and Tyramine 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
MAO inhibition blocks tyramine breakdown, causing massive indirect norepinephrine release.
What to do
Instruct patients to follow a low-tyramine diet, avoiding aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented products and tap beer. Treat a hypertensive reaction as an emergency.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Tranylcypromine with Tyramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Tranylcypromine and Tyramine 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. Dietary tyramine is normally broken down by MAO in the gut and liver. With a nonselective MAO inhibitor, tyramine enters the circulation and releases norepinephrine, which can cause severe hypertensive crisis with headache and risk of stroke.
How serious is the interaction between Tranylcypromine and Tyramine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Instruct patients to follow a low-tyramine diet, avoiding aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented products and tap beer. Treat a hypertensive reaction as an emergency.
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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