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Drug interactions

Codeine + Lorcaserin

Severity: Moderate

Codeine and Lorcaserin: 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

Lorcaserin is a serotonergic agent and a CYP2D6 inhibitor. It may reduce conversion of codeine to morphine and weaken analgesia, and serotonergic opioid combinations carry a theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome.

What this interaction means in plain words

Codeine and Lorcaserin 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Lorcaserin inhibits CYP2D6, reducing codeine activation, and has additive serotonergic activity with opioids.

What to do

Monitor analgesic response and watch for signs of serotonin toxicity such as agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia and hyperthermia. Choose a non-CYP2D6-dependent analgesic if pain control is poor.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Codeine with Lorcaserin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Codeine and Lorcaserin 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. Lorcaserin is a serotonergic agent and a CYP2D6 inhibitor. It may reduce conversion of codeine to morphine and weaken analgesia, and serotonergic opioid combinations carry a theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome.

How serious is the interaction between Codeine and Lorcaserin?

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 analgesic response and watch for signs of serotonin toxicity such as agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia and hyperthermia. Choose a non-CYP2D6-dependent analgesic if pain control is poor.

What other medicines interact with Codeine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Codeine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Codeine page.

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