Phenelzine and Tapentadol interaction
Phenelzine and Tapentadol: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Phenelzine (phenelzine sulfate) label · effective 2026-05-21
Phenelzine sulfate should not be used in combination with dextromethorphan or with CNS depressants such as alcohol and certain narcotics.
From the Tapentadol label · effective 2026-02-26
…suspected paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Hypersensitivity to tapentadol (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema) or to any other ingredients of the product [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days [see Drug Interactions (7) ] Significant respiratory depression ( 4 )
Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Intervention: Do not use tapentadol tablets in patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment.
Examples: phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics Clinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of tapentadol tablets and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.
…neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), and drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (including monoamine oxidase inhibitors, both those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue) [see Drug Interactions (7) ] .
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Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.