Can you take Felbamate with Nortriptyline?
1 drug interaction and 44 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- felbamate
- nortriptyline
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
nortriptyline felbamate
Applies to: nortriptyline and felbamate
Using nortriptyline together with felbamate may increase side effects such as:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- confusion
- difficulty concentrating
Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.
What to do: You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you.
Talk to your doctor 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.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate:
felbamate Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: felbamate
Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of felbamate such as:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- difficulty concentrating
Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment.
You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with felbamate.
Do not use more than the recommended dose of felbamate, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Moderate:
nortriptyline Alcohol (Ethanol)
Applies to: nortriptyline
Ask your doctor before using nortriptyline together with ethanol (alcohol), this can alter the effects of nortriptyline 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
- 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.
Disease interactions
42 potential interactions Applies to: 30 conditions, including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Heart Attack, Arrhythmia, and Schizophrenia.
Alcoholism
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures. These drugs should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of seizures, or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism. Daily dose restrictions might apply for specific antidepressants. Physicians are encouraged to get additional dosing recommendations on the manufacturer's prescribing information.
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.
Tricyclic antidepressants can enhance the response to alcohol. In patients who may use alcohol excessively, it should be borne in mind that the potentiation may increase the danger inherent in any suicide attempt or overdosage.
Anemia
Major:
felbamate
Felbamate has a major potential interaction with Anemia.
The use of felbamate is contraindicated in patients with bone marrow suppression or a current or prior history of blood dyscrasias. A marked increase in the incidence of aplastic anemia has been associated with the use of felbamate, reportedly exceeding 100 times the incidence observed in the general population (2 to 5 per million persons per year). In the few cases that have been reported in felbamate patients, the onset of clinical manifestations of aplastic anemia ranged from 5 to 30 weeks. However, the injury to bone marrow stem cells that is believed to be ultimately responsible for the anemia may occur much earlier. Currently, it is not known whether the risk is related to dose, duration of exposure, and/or concomitant use of other antiepileptic or myelotoxic drugs. Expert hematologic consultation should be available for all patients treated with felbamate. Since aplastic anemia typically develops without premonitory clinical or laboratory signs, it should be borne in mind that routine blood testing may not be reliably used to prevent development of the syndrome. However, in some cases, it may allow the detection of hematologic changes before the condition is full-blown. Felbamate therapy should be withdrawn if evidence of bone marrow depression is observed. Patients who are discontinued from the drug may remain at risk for developing anemia for a variable and unknown period afterwards and should be monitored accordingly.
Arrhythmia
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
Bipolar Disorder
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.
A major depressive episode can be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. Patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder prior to initiating treatment with a tricyclic antidepressant. This screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that tricyclic antidepressants are not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.
Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts
Major:
felbamate
Felbamate has a major potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.
The use of felbamate is contraindicated in patients with bone marrow suppression or a current or prior history of blood dyscrasias. A marked increase in the incidence of aplastic anemia has been associated with the use of felbamate, reportedly exceeding 100 times the incidence observed in the general population (2 to 5 per million persons per year). In the few cases that have been reported in felbamate patients, the onset of clinical manifestations of aplastic anemia ranged from 5 to 30 weeks. However, the injury to bone marrow stem cells that is believed to be ultimately responsible for the anemia may occur much earlier. Currently, it is not known whether the risk is related to dose, duration of exposure, and/or concomitant use of other antiepileptic or myelotoxic drugs. Expert hematologic consultation should be available for all patients treated with felbamate. Since aplastic anemia typically develops without premonitory clinical or laboratory signs, it should be borne in mind that routine blood testing may not be reliably used to prevent development of the syndrome. However, in some cases, it may allow the detection of hematologic changes before the condition is full-blown. Felbamate therapy should be withdrawn if evidence of bone marrow depression is observed. Patients who are discontinued from the drug may remain at risk for developing anemia for a variable and unknown period afterwards and should be monitored accordingly.
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.
The use of tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has rarely been associated with bone marrow suppression. Leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, anemia, eosinophilia, purpura, and pancytopenia have been reported with some TCAs. Patients with preexisting bone marrow suppression or blood dyscrasias receiving TCAs should be monitored closely during therapy for further decreases in blood counts.
Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.
Tricyclic antidepressants should be used with extreme caution in patients with evidence of cardiovascular disease because of the possibility of fluctuations in the blood pressure, arrhythmias, conduction defects, tachycardia, myocardial infarction and stroke. This also applies to patients who have family history of sudden death, cardiac dysrhythmias, or conduction disturbances. In some cases a gradual dose titration is recommended.
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
Central Nervous System Disorders
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures. These drugs should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of seizures, or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism. Daily dose restrictions might apply for specific antidepressants. Physicians are encouraged to get additional dosing recommendations on the manufacturer's prescribing information.
Cerebrovascular Insufficiency
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
Dehydration
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
Depression
Moderate:
felbamate
Felbamate has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies involving the use of 11 different AEDs showed that patients receiving AEDs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients receiving placebo. AEDs should be administered cautiously in patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders; phentermine-topiramate should be avoided in patients with history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior should be carefully assessed against the risk of untreated illness, bearing in mind that epilepsy and many other conditions for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If patients have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behavior, a dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered.
Diabetes Mellitus
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
There have been reports of both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels in patients receiving tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia or diabetes. Monitoring sugar levels is recommended.
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
Both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels have been reported with the use of some tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Rarely, these effects have also occurred with maprotiline, a tetracyclic antidepressant. Patients with diabetes should be monitored for worsening control of blood glucose when treated with these agents, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.
Glaucoma, Narrow Angle
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma, Narrow Angle.
Tricyclic antidepressants as other type of antidepressants have an effect on pupil size causing dilation. This effect can potentially narrow the eye angle resulting in increased intraocular pressure and angle closure glaucoma, especially in predisposed patients. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with anatomically narrow angle or history of glaucoma. Doxepin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with glaucoma.
Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.
Heart Attack
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with Heart Attack.
The use of most tricyclic antidepressants is contraindicated in patients that are going through the acute recovery period after a myocardial infarction.
History - Cerebrovascular Disease
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with History - Cerebrovascular Disease.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
History - Myocardial Infarction
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with History - Myocardial Infarction.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
History of Blood Dyscrasias
Major:
felbamate
Felbamate has a major potential interaction with History of Blood Dyscrasias.
The use of felbamate is contraindicated in patients with bone marrow suppression or a current or prior history of blood dyscrasias. A marked increase in the incidence of aplastic anemia has been associated with the use of felbamate, reportedly exceeding 100 times the incidence observed in the general population (2 to 5 per million persons per year). In the few cases that have been reported in felbamate patients, the onset of clinical manifestations of aplastic anemia ranged from 5 to 30 weeks. However, the injury to bone marrow stem cells that is believed to be ultimately responsible for the anemia may occur much earlier. Currently, it is not known whether the risk is related to dose, duration of exposure, and/or concomitant use of other antiepileptic or myelotoxic drugs. Expert hematologic consultation should be available for all patients treated with felbamate. Since aplastic anemia typically develops without premonitory clinical or laboratory signs, it should be borne in mind that routine blood testing may not be reliably used to prevent development of the syndrome. However, in some cases, it may allow the detection of hematologic changes before the condition is full-blown. Felbamate therapy should be withdrawn if evidence of bone marrow depression is observed. Patients who are discontinued from the drug may remain at risk for developing anemia for a variable and unknown period afterwards and should be monitored accordingly.
Hyperthyroidism
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.
Most tricyclic antidepressants should be administered with caution in hyperthyroid patients or those receiving thyroid medication as they may develop arrhythmias when these drugs are given.
Hypoglycemia
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Hypoglycemia.
There have been reports of both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels in patients receiving tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia or diabetes. Monitoring sugar levels is recommended.
Hypotension
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.
Liver Disease
Major:
felbamate
Felbamate has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.
The use of felbamate is contraindicated in patients with a history of hepatic impairment. A marked increase in the incidence of hepatic failure, some resulting in fatality, has been associated with the use of felbamate relative to that expected in the general population (approximately 2000 cases per year). Currently, it is not known whether the risk is related to dose, duration of exposure, and/or concomitant use of other antiepileptic or hepatotoxic drugs. All patients treated with felbamate should have serum transaminase and bilirubin levels checked prior to initiating therapy and at 1- to 2-week intervals while treatment continues. Felbamate therapy should be withdrawn if abnormal liver function tests occur.
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to undergo metabolism in the liver. Some of the metabolites, such as those of imipramine, clomipramine and desipramine, may be pharmacologically active. Many of the metabolites are also excreted by the kidney. There are very limited data concerning the use of TCAs in patients with renal and/or liver disease. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with significantly impaired renal or hepatic function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
In general, tricyclic antidepressants should be used with caution in patients with liver or renal disease, as these drugs are metabolized and excreted through the liver and kidneys. Dose selection, especially in the elderly patients that might have liver or renal dysfunction, should usually be limited to the smallest effective total daily dose. Some tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine and nortriptyline have occasionally been associated with elevations in SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT), and other hepatic adverse events such as jaundice. Although serious liver injury has only been reported rarely, therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease and periodic monitoring of liver enzyme levels is recommended.
Mania
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Mania.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.
Neutropenia
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Neutropenia.
The use of some tricyclic antidepressants has been associated with neutropenia (ANC < 500/mm3) and agranulocytosis (ANC < 500/mm3). Leukocyte and differential blood counts should be performed in patients that develop fever and sore throat during treatment. Therapy should be discontinued if there is evidence of pathologic neutrophil depression.
Pheochromocytoma
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may potentiate the effects of circulating catecholamines. Enhanced sympathetic activity can provoke hypertensive crises in patients with pheochromocytoma or other tumors of the adrenal medulla, such as some neuroblastomas. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with these tumors.
Psychosis
Moderate:
felbamate
Felbamate has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies involving the use of 11 different AEDs showed that patients receiving AEDs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients receiving placebo. AEDs should be administered cautiously in patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders; phentermine-topiramate should be avoided in patients with history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior should be carefully assessed against the risk of untreated illness, bearing in mind that epilepsy and many other conditions for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If patients have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behavior, a dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered.
Renal Dysfunction
Major:
felbamate
Felbamate has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Felbamate is partially eliminated by the kidney as unchanged drug (approximately 40% to 50% of absorbed dose). The plasma clearance of felbamate may be decreased and the half-life prolonged in patients with impaired renal function. Therapy with felbamate should be administered cautiously in patients with renal impairment.
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
In general, tricyclic antidepressants should be used with caution in patients with liver or renal disease, as these drugs are metabolized and excreted through the liver and kidneys. Dose selection, especially in the elderly patients that might have liver or renal dysfunction, should usually be limited to the smallest effective total daily dose. Some tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine and nortriptyline have occasionally been associated with elevations in SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT), and other hepatic adverse events such as jaundice. Although serious liver injury has only been reported rarely, therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease and periodic monitoring of liver enzyme levels is recommended.
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to undergo metabolism in the liver. Some of the metabolites, such as those of imipramine, clomipramine and desipramine, may be pharmacologically active. Many of the metabolites are also excreted by the kidney. There are very limited data concerning the use of TCAs in patients with renal and/or liver disease. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with significantly impaired renal or hepatic function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Schizophrenia
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Schizophrenia.
Some tricyclic antidepressants have shown to cause activation or exacerbation of psychosis in schizophrenic patients. A dosage reduction might be required.
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Schizophrenia.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.
Tardive Dyskinesia
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Tardive Dyskinesia.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. As with other drugs that possess anticholinergic activity, TCAs may aggravate tardive dyskinesia or induce previously suppressed symptoms. Patients with tardive dyskinesia requiring therapy with TCAs should be monitored for exacerbation of the condition.
Urinary Retention
Major:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a major potential interaction with Urinary Retention.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.
Moderate:
nortriptyline
Nortriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.
Due to their anticholinergic properties, tricyclic antidepressants should be administered with caution in patients with history of urinary retention. Particularly doxepin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with tendency to urinary retention.
More resources
felbamate
A total of 554 drugs are known to interact with felbamate.
- Felbamate is in the drug class carbamate anticonvulsants.
- Felbamate is used to treat the following conditions:
nortriptyline
A total of 736 drugs are known to interact with nortriptyline.
- Nortriptyline is in the drug class tricyclic antidepressants.
-
Nortriptyline is used to treat the following conditions:
- Burning Mouth Syndrome (off-label)
- Chronic Pain
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (off-label)
- Depression
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (off-label)
- Dysautonomia (off-label)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (off-label)
- Migraine Prevention (off-label)
- Neuralgia (off-label)
- Neurosis (off-label)
- Pain (off-label)
- Panic Disorder (off-label)
- Postherpetic Neuralgia (off-label)
- Primary Nocturnal Enuresis (off-label)
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (off-label)
- Smoking Cessation (off-label)
- Tinnitus (off-label)
- Vulvodynia (off-label)
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| 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. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.