Agent Adverse Reactions Additional Comments
Antibiotics
Linezolid Serotonin syndrome Reversible MAOI; selectively inhibits MAO-A. Combination with MAOI produces toxic levels of serotonin.
Antidepressants
Other MAOIs Hypertensive crisis Increase risk for severe side effects; convulsions
SNRIs Serotonin syndrome, hypertensive crisis Severe hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome
SSRIs Serotonin syndrome Severe serotonin toxicity and strongly associated with fatalities.
TCAs
Clomipramine Severe serotonin toxicity Causes potent inhibition of serotonin and should never be combined with an MAOI
Other TCAs (e.g., cyclobenzaprine, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine) Possible serotonin toxicity Combination therapy with MAOI + TCA can be used for severe TRD with caution. Never start the MAOI first; take at the same time as TCA or after beginning the TCA first. Low doses should be given for both and titrated to a tolerable dose
Cold Medications
Decongestant
Oxymetazoline Hypertensive crisis Over-the-counter α1-adrenoceptor agonist
Phenylephrine Hypertensive crisis Over-the-counter α1-adrenoceptor agonist
Cough suppressant
Dextromethorphan Serotonin syndrome Weak 5-HT reuptake inhibitor
Illicit Drugs
Ecstasy Severe serotonin syndrome Acts as a serotonin releaser; can cause severe, fatal serotonin toxicity
Methylene Blue Serotonin syndrome Potent, reversible MAOI
Synthetic analgesics /
Opioids
Serotonin syndrome Analgesics that are weak SRIs should be avoided. Safe analgesics to use include morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and buprenorphine
Fluphenazine May prolong or intensify the hypotensive, anticholinergic, or sedative effects of either agent Due to the potential for additive CNS and cardiovascular effects, MAOIs and phenothiazines should be used together cautiously
Cimetidine May increase steady-state plasma concentrations of MAOI Dose of MAOI may have to be reduced for the duration of cimetidine treatment