Drug interactions
Cyproheptadine + Sertraline
Severity: Moderate
Cyproheptadine and Sertraline: 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 5-HT2 receptors and can reduce the antidepressant or anti-anxiety effect of SSRIs such as sertraline. It is also used deliberately to treat serotonin syndrome, which reflects this antagonism. Loss of efficacy has been described mainly in case reports.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyproheptadine and Sertraline 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; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism of serotonin 5-HT2 receptors by cyproheptadine, opposing the serotonergic effect of sertraline.
What to do
Monitor for worsening mood or anxiety symptoms, and reassess the need for cyproheptadine if the response declines. Avoid prolonged combined use when an alternative exists.
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 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 Cyproheptadine with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyproheptadine and Sertraline 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 5-HT2 receptors and can reduce the antidepressant or anti-anxiety effect of SSRIs such as sertraline. It is also used deliberately to treat serotonin syndrome, which reflects this antagonism. Loss of efficacy has been described mainly in case reports.
How serious is the interaction between Cyproheptadine and Sertraline?
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 worsening mood or anxiety symptoms, and reassess the need for cyproheptadine if the response declines. Avoid prolonged combined use when an alternative exists.
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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