Drug interactions
Cyclobenzaprine + Sertraline
Severity: Major
Cyclobenzaprine and Sertraline: 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
Cyclobenzaprine is structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants and has serotonergic activity. Combined with an SSRI such as sertraline, it can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome, with agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and neuromuscular excitation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclobenzaprine and Sertraline 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.
Cyclobenzaprine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects through reuptake inhibition and receptor activity; sertraline may also modestly raise cyclobenzaprine exposure.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-serotonergic muscle relaxant. If used together, keep the cyclobenzaprine dose low and short-term and monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity.
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 Cyclobenzaprine
- Cyclobenzaprine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Cyclobenzaprine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Other interactions of Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclobenzaprine with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cyclobenzaprine and Sertraline 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. Cyclobenzaprine is structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants and has serotonergic activity. Combined with an SSRI such as sertraline, it can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome, with agitation, tremor, hyperthermia and neuromuscular excitation.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclobenzaprine and Sertraline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-serotonergic muscle relaxant. If used together, keep the cyclobenzaprine dose low and short-term and monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Cyclobenzaprine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyclobenzaprine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Cyclobenzaprine page.
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