Drug Interaction Report

Linezolid Injection and Opipramol: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Linezolid Injection and Opipramol interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

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

Opipramol

No brand names on record
+

Linezolid Injection

Zyvox Zyvox®
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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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
delayed
Evidence
probable
Severity
Contraindicated

What happens

Neurotoxicity, seizures, or serotonin syndrome (hypertension, hyperthermia, myoclonus, mental status changes)

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant TCA and MAOI use has resulted in hyperpyrexia, convulsions, and death. Concurrent use of MAOIs and TCAs has also been reported to result in a condition termed serotonin syndrome11121314. Serotonin syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal condition of serotonergic hyperstimulation characterized by hypertension, hyperthermia, myoclonus, and changes in mental status 3. Although opipramol does not block the neuronal uptake of norepinephrine or serotonin, the concurrent use of opipramol and MAOIs is contraindicated 15.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Unknown

Literature reports

1 report — tap to read

a) Concomitant administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has been considered an absolute contraindication in the past and still is listed as such by the manufacturers. Reports of excitation, hyperpyrexia, convulsions, and possible death have been attributed to the combination 415. However, there is evidence that MAOIs and TCAs can be given concomitantly in patients previously unresponsive to the MAOI or TCA alone. A few precautions must be followed including: a) avoidance of large doses (no more than 150 mg amitriptyline or its equivalent, 45 mg phenelzine, or 60 mg isocarboxazid) b) oral administration c) avoidance of clomipramine, imipramine, desipramine, and tranylcypromine in any combination, and d) close monitoring of patients 64127. The combination may be utilized in one of two ways. Most frequently, the recommendation is to stop all previous antidepressants (five to ten days for TCAs and 14 days for MAOIs); the combination is then simultaneously started 8. Alternatively, in a patient previously receiving a TCA, small doses of the MAOI may be slowly added (Schoonover, 1983). Some sources suggest that the combination of amitriptyline and isocarboxazid is preferred 8. Numerous studies in patients with refractory depression or phobic anxiety states have successfully used the combination of MAOIs and TCAs 9110.

Common questions

Can I take Linezolid Injection and Opipramol together?

Neurotoxicity, seizures, or serotonin syndrome (hypertension, hyperthermia, myoclonus, mental status changes) Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Linezolid Injection and Opipramol interaction?

It is rated contraindicated. These should generally not be used together.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.

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 Opipramol 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 (15)

  1. Schuckit M, Robins E, & Feighner JP: Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Combination therapy in the treatment of depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1971; 24:509-514. PubMed
  2. White K & Simpson G: The combined use of MAOIs and tricyclics. J Clin Psychiatry 1984; 45:67-69.
  3. Sternbach H: The serotonin syndrome. Am J Psychiatr 1991; 148:705-713. PubMed
  4. Winston F: Combined antidepressant therapy. Br J Psychiatry 1971; 118:301-304. PubMed
  5. Spiker DG & Pugh DD: Combining tricyclic and monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1976; 33:828-830. DOI
  6. Kline NS: Experimental use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors with tricyclic antidepressants. JAMA 1974; 227:807.
  7. Rom WN & Benner EJ: Toxicity by interaction of tricyclic antidepressant and monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Calif Med 1972; 117:65-66.
  8. Perry PJ, Alexander B, & Liskow BIPerry PJ, Alexander B, & Liskow BI: Psychotropic Drug Handbook, 6th. Harvey Whitney Books Company, Cincinnati, OH, 1991.
  9. Ponto LB, Perry PJ, Liskow BI, et al: Drug therapy reviews: tricyclic antidepressant and monoamine oxidase inhibitor combination therapy. Am J Hosp Pharm 1977; 34:954-961. DOI
  10. Ashcroft GW: Psychological medicine: management of depression. Br Med J 1975; 2:372-376. PubMed
  11. Insel TR, Roy BF, Cohen RM, et al: Possible development of the serotonin syndrome in man. Am J Psychiatry 1982; 139:954-955. DOI
  12. Spigset O, Mjorndal T, & Lovheim O: Serotonin syndrome caused by a moclobemide-clomipramine interaction. Br Med J 1993; 306:248. PubMed
  13. Brodribb TR, Downey M, & Gilbar PJ: Efficacy and adverse effects of moclobemide (letter). Lancet 1994; 343:475. DOI
  14. Neuvonen PJ, Pohjola-Sintonen S, Tacke U, et al: Five fatal cases of serotonin syndrome after moclobemide-citalopram or moclobemide-clomipramine overdoses (letter). Lancet 1993; 342:1419. DOI
  15. Product Information: Insidon(R), opipramol. Ciba-Geigy GmbH, Wehr, Germany, 1997.
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