Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Duloxetine
Severity: Moderate
Cyproheptadine and Duloxetine: 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
Cyproheptadine blocks serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and can blunt the effects of serotonergic antidepressants. In a patient taking duloxetine, adding cyproheptadine may reduce antidepressant or anti-anxiety benefit. It is also used deliberately to treat serotonin syndrome, so the effect can mask toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine and Duloxetine 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.
Cyproheptadine belongs to Respiratory; Duloxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism of 5-HT2A receptors by cyproheptadine opposes serotonergic activity produced by duloxetine.
What to do
Monitor for loss of antidepressant response or emergence of depressive symptoms if cyproheptadine is used for more than a short time. Reassess the need for cyproheptadine or adjust the antidepressant if efficacy declines.
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 Cyproheptadine
- Cyproheptadine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Cyproheptadine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cyproheptadine Major
- Belladonna and opium + Cyproheptadine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cyproheptadine Major
Other interactions of Duloxetine
- Duloxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Duloxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyproheptadine with Duloxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyproheptadine and Duloxetine 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. Cyproheptadine blocks serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and can blunt the effects of serotonergic antidepressants. In a patient taking duloxetine, adding cyproheptadine may reduce antidepressant or anti-anxiety benefit. It is also used deliberately to treat serotonin syndrome, so the effect can mask toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine and Duloxetine?
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 loss of antidepressant response or emergence of depressive symptoms if cyproheptadine is used for more than a short time. Reassess the need for cyproheptadine or adjust the antidepressant if efficacy declines.
What other medicines interact with Cyproheptadine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyproheptadine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Cyproheptadine page.
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