Drug interactions
Dexfenfluramine + Sertraline
Severity: Major
Dexfenfluramine and Sertraline: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Dexfenfluramine releases serotonin and inhibits its reuptake, and combining it with an SSRI can precipitate serotonin syndrome. Dexfenfluramine has been withdrawn from the market in most countries, which makes use unlikely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexfenfluramine 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.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity via serotonin release and reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Avoid the combination. If exposure occurs, stop the serotonergic agents and treat serotonin syndrome symptomatically.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Dexfenfluramine and Sertraline, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
- Lustral 100mg film coated tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: other serotonergic drugs; "Caution is also advised with opioids [e.g. fentanyl (used in general anaesthesia or in the treatment of chronic pain)], and other serotonergic drugs (including ") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
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 Dexfenfluramine with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dexfenfluramine 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. Dexfenfluramine releases serotonin and inhibits its reuptake, and combining it with an SSRI can precipitate serotonin syndrome. Dexfenfluramine has been withdrawn from the market in most countries, which makes use unlikely.
How serious is the interaction between Dexfenfluramine 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. If exposure occurs, stop the serotonergic agents and treat serotonin syndrome symptomatically.
What other medicines interact with Sertraline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sertraline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Sertraline page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
