Amitriptyline With Passionflower - Interaction Details
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses the combined use of amitriptyline and passionflower.
How safe is it to take both amitriptyline and passionflower?
Apr 04, 2023- Both amitriptyple and passionflower can cause drowsiness, and taking them together may increase this sedative effect.
- You should avoid driving or other activities requiring mental alertness when taking this combination, especially when first starting it.
Answer
While there is no specific interaction between amitriptyline and passionflower, they both can have sedative effects and these effects can be potentiated when both are used together.
Additional Details
We have this interaction presented in more detail on our dedicated 'amitriptyline - passionflower' interaction page.
Basically, both amitriptyline and passionflower can have sedative effects and those effects can be heightened when both are taken together.
Passionflower contains several that have relaxant properties.
Studies suggest that these compounds bind to specific receptors called GABA(A) and GABA(B) and can increase the amounts of GABA in the brain. GABA is commonly described as an 'inhibitory' neurotransmitter, and is associated with sedation and calmness.
The specific compounds in passionflower that have been identified as being responsible for these effects include
- Isovitexin
- Benzoflavone
- Chrysin
- Maltol
Amitriptyline, a prescription medication, has a variety of effects on a number of different neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine). It is well known to have sedative effects, especially when first starting the medication.
It's unlikely there is any major interaction between amitriptyline and passionflower to be worried about aside from the additive sedative effects, but that one is certainly good to know about.
You don't want to partake in any activities that require mental alertness, such as driving, when taking the combination for the first time, not knowing how it will affect you.
Final Words
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References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Sedative effects
- The calming or sleep-inducing properties of a substance that slow down brain activity.
- Potentiated
- Made stronger or more intense when combined with another substance.
- Relaxant properties
- The ability of a substance to reduce tension and promote calmness in the body.
- GABA receptors
- Specific attachment points on brain cells where a calming chemical messenger called GABA binds to produce relaxing effects.
- Inhibitory neurotransmitter
- A chemical messenger in the brain that reduces nerve activity and promotes calming and sleep.
- Neurotransmitters
- Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between nerve cells to control mood, alertness, and body functions.
- Amitriptyline
- A prescription medication used to treat depression and other conditions that affects multiple brain chemicals including serotonin and norepinephrine.
- Additive sedative effects
- The combined sleeping or calming effect that occurs when two sedating substances are taken together, making the effect stronger than either alone.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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