Drug interactions
Codeine + Trazodone
Severity: Moderate
Codeine and Trazodone: 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
Trazodone is sedating and can cause orthostatic hypotension, adding to codeine's CNS depression. Both drugs have some serotonergic activity, so serotonin toxicity is a theoretical concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Codeine and Trazodone 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.
Codeine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Trazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and hypotension, with possible additive serotonergic effects.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for sedation, orthostasis and signs of serotonin toxicity. Counsel on avoiding driving and alcohol.
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 Codeine
- Alvimopan + Codeine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Codeine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Codeine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Codeine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Codeine Major
Other interactions of Trazodone
- Arsenic trioxide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Codeine with Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Codeine and Trazodone 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. Trazodone is sedating and can cause orthostatic hypotension, adding to codeine's CNS depression. Both drugs have some serotonergic activity, so serotonin toxicity is a theoretical concern.
How serious is the interaction between Codeine and Trazodone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for sedation, orthostasis and signs of serotonin toxicity. Counsel on avoiding driving and alcohol.
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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