Skip to main content

Drug Interactions between 5-HTP and Harmonyl

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

Edit list (add/remove drugs)

Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

deserpidine 5-hydroxytryptophan

Applies to: Harmonyl (deserpidine) and 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

GENERALLY AVOID: Rauwolfia alkaloids such as reserpine may potentiate the pharmacologic effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan, which is converted to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), or serotonin, in vivo. Rauwolfia alkaloids deplete catecholamine and serotonin stores in many organs, thus use of these agents may sensitize peripheral and central 5-HT receptors to serotonin. Clinically, this interaction may produce hypertension and other serious adverse effects such as serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5HT1A receptors.

MANAGEMENT: Alternatives to rauwolfia alkaloids should be considered for treatment of hypertension in patients treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan. If the combination is used, close monitoring is recommended for signs and symptoms of excessive serotonergic activity such as CNS irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, myoclonus, ataxia, abdominal cramping, hyperpyrexia, shivering, pupillary dilation, diaphoresis, hypertension, and tachycardia.

References

  1. Nierenberg DW, Semprebon M (1993) "The central nervous system serotonin syndrome." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 53, p. 84-8
  2. Sternbach H (1991) "The serotonin syndrome." Am J Psychiatry, 148, p. 705-13
  3. Mills KC (1997) "Serotonin syndrome: A clinical update." Crit Care Clin, 13, p. 763
  4. Klepser T, Nisly N (2000) "5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) for treatment of depression." Alternative Medicine Alert, 3, p. 121-4
  5. Limbird LE, Gilman AG, eds., Hardman JG (2001) "Goodman and Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics." New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
  6. Martin TG (1996) "Serotonin syndrome." Ann Emerg Med, 28, p. 520-6
View all 6 references

Switch to consumer interaction data

Drug and food interactions

No alcohol/food interactions were found. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

See also

Report options

Loading...
QR code containing a link to this page

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer