Drug interactions
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Paroxetine
Severity: Moderate
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Paroxetine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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
Benzhydrocodone is a prodrug of hydrocodone, and opioids combined with serotonergic antidepressants carry a risk of serotonin syndrome. Paroxetine also strongly inhibits CYP2D6, which may reduce conversion of hydrocodone to hydromorphone and alter analgesia, and can add to CNS depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Paroxetine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects, with CYP2D6 inhibition by paroxetine altering opioid metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and diarrhea, especially at initiation and dose changes. Reassess analgesic response and sedation.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Paroxetine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Benzhydrocodone is a prodrug of hydrocodone, and opioids combined with serotonergic antidepressants carry a risk of serotonin syndrome. Paroxetine also strongly inhibits CYP2D6, which may reduce conversion of hydrocodone to hydromorphone and alter analgesia, and can add to CNS depression.
How serious is the interaction between Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen and Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and diarrhea, especially at initiation and dose changes. Reassess analgesic response and sedation.
What other medicines interact with Paroxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paroxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Paroxetine page.
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