CriticalAntidepressant, irreversible non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO-A and MAO-B)×Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Updated · Methodology
Mechanism
Sertraline is an SSRI. Combined with phenelzine causes serotonin syndrome. FDA Nardil Section 4 contraindication. 2-week washout between stopping sertraline and starting phenelzine.
Symptoms
Agitation, tachycardia, hyperthermia, myoclonus within hours of co-administration.
Management
Combination contraindicated. Minimum 2-week washout. After phenelzine withdrawal – 2 weeks before any serotonergic drug.
Check the full regimen, not just this pair
Opens the checker with these two drugs prefilled. Add the rest of the regimen and recompute additive risks.
Summary of a multi-drug list →
Medicine list: everything you take in one place →
Sources
- FDA: Nardil (phenelzine sulfate) prescribing information (2009)– FDA Nardil label, Section 4 Contraindications; DailyMed setid 513a41d0-37d4-4355-8a6d-a2c643bce6fa
- AEMPS: Ficha técnica: Sertralina (nº registro 66057), sección 4.5 (2025)– AEMPS, CIMA, nº registro 66057, sección 4.5