Linezolid Injection and Benzphetamine: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Benzphetamine
No brand names on recordLinezolid Injection
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
An increased risk of hypertensive crisis (headache, hyperpyrexia, hypertension)
Interaction Deep Dive
The concurrent use of benzphetamine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated during or within 14 days of administration of an monoamine oxidase inhibitor as it may result in hypertensive3. Amphetamines cause the release of norepinephrine, and the use of MAO inhibitors results in more norepinephrine being made available at nerve receptor sites through inhibition of catecholamine degradation; concurrent use leads to greater amounts of norepinephrine which increases sympathetic activity 2. Other potential reactions include cardiac arrhythmias, chest pain, hyperpyrexia, and death 1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Increased norepinephrine availability
Literature reports
1 report — tap to read
a) Amphetamines cause the release of norepinephrine, and the use of MAO inhibitors results in more norepinephrine being made available at nerve receptor sites through inhibition of catecholamine degradation; concurrent use leads to greater amounts of norepinephrine which increases sympathetic activity 2. Other potential reactions include cardiac arrhythmias, chest pain, hyperpyrexia, and death 1.
Common questions
Can I take Linezolid Injection and Benzphetamine together?
An increased risk of hypertensive crisis (headache, hyperpyrexia, hypertension) Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Linezolid Injection and Benzphetamine interaction?
It is rated contraindicated. These should generally not be used together.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "rapid". Effects can appear quickly, often within about 24 hours of combining the drugs.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Linezolid Injection or Benzphetamine need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (3)
- Goldberg LI: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Adverse reactions and possible mechanisms. JAMA 1964; 190:456-462. DOI
- Gilman AG, Rall TW, Nies AS, et alGilman AG, Rall TW, Nies AS, et al (Eds): Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 8th. Macmillan Publishing Co, New York, NY, 1990.
- Product Information: DIDREX(R) oral tablets, benzphetamine hcl oral tablets. Pfizer,Inc, New York, NY, 2006.
Keep reading about Benzphetamine
Keep reading about Linezolid Injection
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