Drug interactions
Dextroamphetamine + Meperidine
Severity: Major
Dextroamphetamine 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
Both drugs increase serotonergic activity, and amphetamines combined with meperidine may lead to serotonin syndrome. Amphetamine stimulation may also mask opioid sedation, which can hide early oversedation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dextroamphetamine 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.
Dextroamphetamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity through serotonin reuptake inhibition (meperidine) and serotonin release (amphetamine).
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible and choose a non-serotonergic opioid. If used, monitor for agitation, tremor, clonus, hyperthermia, and tachycardia.
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 Dextroamphetamine
- Dextroamphetamine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dextroamphetamine with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dextroamphetamine 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. Both drugs increase serotonergic activity, and amphetamines combined with meperidine may lead to serotonin syndrome. Amphetamine stimulation may also mask opioid sedation, which can hide early oversedation.
How serious is the interaction between Dextroamphetamine 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 the combination if possible and choose a non-serotonergic opioid. If used, monitor for agitation, tremor, clonus, hyperthermia, and tachycardia.
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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