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Drug Interactions between amitriptyline and nimodipine

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

amitriptyline niMODipine

Applies to: amitriptyline and nimodipine

Consumer information for this interaction is not currently available.

MONITOR: Phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and some antipsychotic (neuroleptic) agents may potentiate the blood pressure lowering capabilities of other drugs with hypotensive effects due to their peripheral alpha-1 adrenergic blocking activity. Orthostatic hypotension and syncope associated with vasodilation may occur, particularly during initial dosing and/or parenteral administration of the phenothiazine, TCA, or neuroleptic. The severity of this interaction may be affected by the agent's affinity for the alpha-1 adrenoceptor. One in vitro study demonstrated an affinity for the alpha-1 adrenoceptor for some of these medications that was similar to, or greater than, those of alpha blocker medications used to treat hypertension. Examples of drugs evaluated in this study with a high affinity included amitriptyline, clomipramine, chlorpromazine, clozapine, doxepin, flupenthixol, lurasidone, nortriptyline, perphenazine, paliperidone, quetiapine, risperidone, sertindole, and ziprasidone. On the other hand, examples of those with lower affinities included aripiprazole, lofepramine, protriptyline, sulpiride, and amisulpride.

MANAGEMENT: Close clinical monitoring for development of hypotension is recommended if phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), or certain antipsychotic (neuroleptic) agents are used in patients receiving antihypertensive medications or vasodilators. A lower starting dosage and slower titration of the phenothiazine, TCA, or neuroleptic may be appropriate, especially in the elderly. It may also be advisable to consider using a phenothiazine, TCA, or neuroleptic medication with a lower affinity for the alpha-1 adrenoceptor when possible. Patients should be counseled to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their healthcare provider if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia. Patients should also avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medications affect them.

References

  1. Fruncillo R, Gibbons W, Vlasses P, Ferguson R "Severe hypotension associated with concurrent clonidine and antipsychotic medication." Am J Psychiatry 142 (1985): 274
  2. White WB "Hypotension with postural syncope secondary to the combination of chlorpromazine and captopril." Arch Intern Med 146 (1986): 1833-4
  3. "Product Information. Clozaril (clozapine)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  4. "Product Information. Risperdal (risperidone)." Janssen Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  5. Aronowitz JS, Chakos MH, Safferman AZ, Lieberman JA "Syncope associated with the combination of clozapine and enalapril." J Clin Psychopharmacol 14 (1994): 429-30
  6. Markowitz JS, Wells BG, Carson WH "Interactions between antipsychotic and antihypertensive drugs." Ann Pharmacother 29 (1995): 603-9
  7. "Product Information. Zyprexa (olanzapine)." Lilly, Eli and Company PROD (2001):
  8. "Product Information. Seroquel (quetiapine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  9. "Product Information. Geodon (ziprasidone)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  10. "Product Information. Abilify (aripiprazole)." Bristol-Myers Squibb (2002):
  11. "Product Information. Rexulti (brexpiprazole)." Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals Inc (2015):
  12. Proudman RGW, Pupo AS, Baker JG "The affinity and selectivity of alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists, antidepressants, and antipsychotics for the human alpha1A, alpha1B, and alpha1D-adrenoceptors." Pharmacol Res Perspect 8 (2020): e00602
View all 12 references

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

niMODipine food

Applies to: nimodipine

You should avoid or limit the consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice if you are receiving treatment with niMODipine. Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels and effects of medications like niMODipine. You may be more likely to experience side effects such as headache, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, swelling, and fluid retention. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Moderate

amitriptyline food

Applies to: amitriptyline

Ask your doctor before using amitriptyline together with ethanol, this can alter the effects of amitriptyline and cause increased side effects. Call the doctor if you experience uneven heartbeats, extreme drowsiness, confusion, agitation, vomiting, blurred vision, sweating, muscle stiffness, feeling light-headed, and seizures. You should be warned not to exceed recommended dosages, to avoid alcohol, and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness. If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment to safely take this combination. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Moderate

niMODipine food

Applies to: nimodipine

NiMODipine and ethanol may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate. These side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment, following a dose increase, or when treatment is restarted after an interruption. Let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days or they become troublesome. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Moderate

niMODipine food

Applies to: nimodipine

Using niMODipine together with multivitamin with minerals can decrease the effects of niMODipine. Talk with your doctor before using niMODipine and multivitamin with minerals together. You may need a dose adjustment or need your blood pressure checked more often if you take both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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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

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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.

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