Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Methadone
Severity: Moderate
Cyproheptadine and Methadone: 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
Concurrent use of a sedating antihistamine with methadone can intensify sedation and respiratory depression. Methadone's long half-life means effects can persist and accumulate.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine and Methadone 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; Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via H1 blockade and mu-opioid agonism.
What to do
Monitor sedation and respiratory status, particularly during methadone initiation or titration. Avoid adding other sedatives when possible and counsel on driving.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyproheptadine with Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyproheptadine and Methadone 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. Concurrent use of a sedating antihistamine with methadone can intensify sedation and respiratory depression. Methadone's long half-life means effects can persist and accumulate.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine and Methadone?
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 sedation and respiratory status, particularly during methadone initiation or titration. Avoid adding other sedatives when possible and counsel on driving.
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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