Drug Interaction Report

Linezolid Injection and Dextroamphetamine: Interaction Details

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Dextroamphetamine

Dexedrine ProCentra Zenzedi
+

Linezolid Injection

Zyvox Zyvox®
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Updated Aug 8, 2026
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Interaction severity
Contraindicated
These should generally not be used together.
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.

Of 212 documented Linezolid Injection interactions, 98 are rated contraindicated — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
rapid
Evidence
probable
Severity
Contraindicated

What happens

An increased risk of hypertensive crisis and an increased risk of serotonin syndrome

Interaction Deep Dive

Coadministration of dextroamphetamine or lisdexamfetamine (prodrug of dextroamphetamine) concomitantly or within 14 days following the use of an MAOI is contraindicated. Amphetamines stimulate the release of norepinephrine, and the use of MAOIs slows down amphetamine metabolism, thereby increasing release of norepinephrine and other monoamines from adrenergic nerve endings. This may result in hypertensive crisis, toxic neurological effects, and malignant hyperpyrexia1. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema and renal failure 2. Concomitant use may also cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening reaction. Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes, autonomic instability, seizures, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms, neuromuscular symptoms. Initiate with lower doses and monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during dextroamphetamine or lisdexamfetamine initiation or dosage increase. Discontinue treatment with dextroamphetamine or lisdexamfetamine and any concomitant serotonergic agents immediately if symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur, and initiate supportive symptomatic treatment 3.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Increased norepinephrine availability; additive serotonergic effects

Literature reports

1 report — tap to read

a) In a study of 32 patients with treatment-refractory depression, efficacy of combination therapy with a central nervous system stimulant (pemoline or dextroamphetamine) with an MAOI was studied. Some of the patients were also taking medications such as tricyclic antidepressants and lithium, in addition to the study medications. Four of the patients taking pemoline and a MAOI discontinued the medications due to impotence, orthostatic hypotension, elevated blood pressure, or shakiness. Three of the patients taking dextroamphetamine and a MAOI discontinued the medications due to memory problems, parkinsonian symptoms, somnambulism, or weight gain. Six patients experienced mood cycling, 5 to hypomania and 1 to mania. No patients developed symptoms of hypertensive crisis during the study 4.

Common questions

Can I take Linezolid Injection and Dextroamphetamine together?

An increased risk of hypertensive crisis and an increased risk of serotonin syndrome Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Linezolid Injection and Dextroamphetamine 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 Dextroamphetamine 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 (4)

  1. Product Information: VYVANSE(R) oral capsules, oral chewable tablets, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate oral capsules, oral chewable tablets. Shire US Inc (per DailyMed), Lexington, MA, 2018. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: DEXEDRINE(R) SPANSULE(R) oral sustained-release capsules, dextroamphetamine sulfate oral sustained-release capsules. Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC (per FDA), Bridgewater, NJ, 2023. DailyMed
  3. Product Information: ARYNTA(TM) oral solution, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate oral solution. Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (per FDA), Woburn, MA, 2025. DailyMed
  4. Fawcett J, Kravitz HM, Zajecka JM, et al: CNS stimulant potentiation of monoamine oxidase inhibitors in treatment-refractory depression. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1991; 11:127-132. DOI
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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.