Drug interactions
Amoxapine + Meperidine
Severity: Major
Amoxapine and Meperidine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Meperidine has serotonergic activity and combined with an antidepressant that inhibits monoamine reuptake may raise the risk of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and neuromuscular hyperactivity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amoxapine and Meperidine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects through reuptake inhibition by both drugs.
What to do
Prefer a non-serotonergic opioid such as morphine for analgesia. If both are used, monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome, particularly after dose changes.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amoxapine with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amoxapine and Meperidine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Meperidine has serotonergic activity and combined with an antidepressant that inhibits monoamine reuptake may raise the risk of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and neuromuscular hyperactivity.
How serious is the interaction between Amoxapine and Meperidine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-serotonergic opioid such as morphine for analgesia. If both are used, monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome, particularly after dose changes.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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