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Drug Interactions between amitriptyline and methadone

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

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

methadone amitriptyline

Applies to: methadone and amitriptyline

Using methadone together with other medications that also cause central nervous system depression such as amitriptyline can lead to serious side effects including profound sedation, respiratory distress, coma, and even death. In addition, using methadone together with amitriptyline may increase the risk of two potentially life-threatening, but uncommon conditions: serotonin syndrome and a change in the electrical activity of your heart called QT prolongation. Immediate medical attention is required if you experience symptoms of either condition such as: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; agitation; confusion; fast or irregular heartbeat; sweating; flushing; seizures; hallucinations; blood pressure changes; shaking, stiff muscles, or muscle twitching; dizziness; high body temperature; loss of coordination; lightheadedness; and/or fainting. You might be more susceptible to QT prolongation if you have heart problems, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, or electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you, has taken appropriate precautions, and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications (which may involve getting both electrocardiograms and blood tests done). 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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Drug and food interactions

Major

methadone food

Applies to: methadone

Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with methadone. This may increase nervous system side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, and impairment in thinking and judgment. In severe cases, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, fainting, coma, or even death may occur. You should also avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as this may increase the blood levels and effects of oral methadone. High blood levels of methadone can also occasionally cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or fast or pounding heartbeats. Do not exceed the dose of methadone prescribed for you or use the medication more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed by your doctor. Also 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 questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication 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 (alcohol), 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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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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