Drug interactions
Dextromethorphan + Trazodone
Severity: Moderate
Dextromethorphan and Trazodone: 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
Both drugs enhance serotonergic activity, so combined use may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Cases are uncommon but potentially serious.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dextromethorphan and Trazodone 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.
Dextromethorphan belongs to Respiratory; Trazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects; trazodone also inhibits serotonin reuptake and acts at 5-HT receptors.
What to do
Use the lowest effective dextromethorphan dose for a short period and monitor for serotonin toxicity. Use a different antitussive if symptoms occur.
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 Dextromethorphan
- Dextromethorphan + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Dextromethorphan + Selegiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Trazodone
- Arsenic trioxide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dextromethorphan with Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dextromethorphan and Trazodone 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. Both drugs enhance serotonergic activity, so combined use may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Cases are uncommon but potentially serious.
How serious is the interaction between Dextromethorphan and Trazodone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective dextromethorphan dose for a short period and monitor for serotonin toxicity. Use a different antitussive if symptoms occur.
What other medicines interact with Dextromethorphan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dextromethorphan with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Dextromethorphan page.
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