Posted by ed_uk on May 11, 2006, at 14:52:03
In reply to Re: Triptans and MAOIs » ed_uk, posted by Donna Louise on May 10, 2006, at 21:41:30
Hi
>ok, so if it is ok to take Axert as it does not enter the brain, does it follow that it is ok to imitrex also since it does not enter the brain either?
Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is predominantly metabolised by MAO, so it might not be the best choice. Still, in one study, no unusual side effects occured when sumatriptan was combined with an MAOI, despite the increased blood levels of sumatriptan. If you do decide to take sumatriptan with an MAOI, you should take a low dose eg. 25mg. The manufacturer of sumatriptan states that it is contra-indicated with MAOIs. It seems that they are attempting to protect themselves from litigation if a patient claimed that a serious interaction occured.
>I also noticed on your original list of triptans ok to take was eletriptan but now you say it enters the brain more quickly than the other.
MAOIs do not effect the metabolism of eletriptan. I suggested that almotriptan might be a safer choice than eletriptan because almotriptan does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier. Some doctors have suggested that combining triptans with MAOIs might cause the serotonin syndrome. There is no evidence that this actually occurs however. Unfortunately, few people have taken the MAOI/triptan combination so there is little reliable evidence.
>Can I assume that I can't take that one either even though it is on the ok to take list?
Difficult to say. I wouldn't recommend it personally.
Which triptans do you have at home?
Ed
poster:ed_uk
thread:641231
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060510/msgs/642671.html