Does Cyclic Antidepressants Interact with Flumazenil?
Cyclic Antidepressants and Flumazenil have a major drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Toxic effects such as convulsions and cardiac dysrhythmias may emerge with reversal of benzodiazepine effect by flumazenil in cases of mixed drug overdosage. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Major
- Flumazenil Class
- Benzodiazepine Antagonist
- Management
- Close medical supervision required
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Cyclic Antidepressants and your doctor is considering prescribing Flumazenil (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider