As is the case with any other medication, there may be some instances where amitriptyline interactions can occur. In such cases, use is not recommended or usage will have to be adjusted in order to prevent or reduce the risk of negative interactions occurring from other drugs, medical conditions, or even food and drink.
Drug Interactions
According to the FDA, drugs that may interact with amitriptyline include the following.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which can result in high fever, convulsions, and death when used with amitriptyline
- Cisapride, which should not be used with amitriptyline hydrochloride, since there is an increased risk of a higher QT interval and a higher risk of arrhythmia
- SSRI antidepressants, such as escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac), which may lead to excessive levels of serotonin when taken with amitriptyline
- There are MANY other drug interactions not included in this list. Always discuss all your medications with your physician before starting a new medication
Please note that this list may not be complete, and other interactions with drugs not listed here may occur.
Amitriptyline and Xanax
Amitriptyline and Xanax (alprazolam) might result in stronger side effects, such as confusion, lightheadedness, or drowsiness, when these medications are taken together.
Amitriptyline and Zoloft
Amitriptyline and Zoloft (sertraline) might result in higher blood levels of tricyclic antidepressants, which can lead to toxic adverse reactions.
Amitriptyline and Lexapro
Using amitriptyline and Lexapro together might increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, which can cause seizures, blurry vision, vomiting, and other symptoms. In severe cases, this condition can be fatal or lead to a coma.
Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline
Amitriptyline and nortriptyline used together may increase the risk of severe side effects, such as dry mouth, irregular heartbeat, drowsiness, and confusion.
Amitriptyline and Prozac
The use of amitriptyline and Prozac (fluoxetine) might raise the risk and severity of side effects, such as constipation, dry mouth, confusion, high blood pressure, and urinary retention.
Wellbutrin
Combining amitriptyline with Wellbutrin (bupropion) might increase the risk of seizures. Using Wellbutrin might also lead to higher blood levels of amitriptyline, which may result in other side effects.
Melatonin
Using amitriptyline and melatonin might lead to a higher risk of drowsiness, lightheadedness, trouble concentrating, and confusion.
Trazodone
Using trazodone with amitriptyline might increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, which can cause potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Duloxetine
The combination of duloxetine and amitriptyline might raise the risk of serotonin syndrome due to increased levels of serotonin.
Food Interactions
Sometimes the foods we eat and the beverages we drink can also interact with our medications. Food and drink that may interact with amitriptyline include:
- There are no known interactions between specific foods or beverages and amitriptyline, but individuals should let their medical provider know about any supplements and vitamins they are taking as a precaution.
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other foods and beverages that interact with this drug.
Amitriptyline and Alcohol
For more information, please visit our page on amitriptyline and alcohol interactions.
Disease & Conditions Interactions
Sometimes certain medications can increase the risk of negative side effects for patients with certain diseases of other medical conditions. According to the FDA, diseases and medical conditions that are known to negatively interact with amitriptyline include:
- Heart disorders, since amitriptyline may raise the risk of arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat), heart attacks, and other heart problems
- Bipolar disorder
- History of seizures
- Urinary retention
- Glaucoma, especially angle-closure glaucoma
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Schizophrenia
- Impaired liver function
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other diseases and medical conditions where patients should not take this medication.
Amitriptyline and Weight Loss
The use of amitriptyline has been associated with weight loss in some patients, although it is not known if the medication caused this to occur.
Amitriptyline and Weight Gain
Weight gain has been reported in some individuals who take amitriptyline, although whether this occurred due to this medication is not known.
Amitriptyline and Pregnancy
For more information, please visit our page on amitriptyline and pregnancy risks.
Other Interactions
Other potential interactions include the following.
Amitriptyline and Sunlight
The combination of amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide might cause increased skin sensitivity to sunlight. Brief exposure to sunlight may cause a rash, redness, itchiness, discoloration, and severe sunburn to occur. Those who are taking this combination of medications should limit exposure to the sun as much as possible in order to reduce the risk of these side effects.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
