Drug interactions
Desvenlafaxine + Meperidine
Severity: Major
Desvenlafaxine and Meperidine: 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
Desvenlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and combining it with meperidine increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Features include confusion, tremor, hyperreflexia, sweating and fever.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desvenlafaxine and Meperidine 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.
Desvenlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects via reuptake inhibition by both drugs.
What to do
Avoid meperidine in patients taking desvenlafaxine and use a non-serotonergic opioid such as morphine. If combined, 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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desvenlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desvenlafaxine with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desvenlafaxine and Meperidine 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. Desvenlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and combining it with meperidine increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Features include confusion, tremor, hyperreflexia, sweating and fever.
How serious is the interaction between Desvenlafaxine and Meperidine?
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 meperidine in patients taking desvenlafaxine and use a non-serotonergic opioid such as morphine. If combined, monitor for signs of serotonin toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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