Drug interactions
Dosulepin + Meperidine
Severity: Major
Dosulepin 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
Dosulepin is a sedating tricyclic antidepressant that adds to opioid CNS depression. Meperidine is also serotonergic, and with tricyclics there is a risk of serotonin toxicity, while anticholinergic effects may add up.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dosulepin 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.
Dosulepin belongs to Central Nervous System; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression and overlapping serotonergic effects, with additive anticholinergic effects.
What to do
Use reduced doses and monitor for sedation, respiratory depression, and signs of serotonin toxicity. Consider a non-serotonergic opioid.
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 Dosulepin
- Dosulepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Dosulepin Major
- Buprenorphine + Dosulepin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dosulepin with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dosulepin 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. Dosulepin is a sedating tricyclic antidepressant that adds to opioid CNS depression. Meperidine is also serotonergic, and with tricyclics there is a risk of serotonin toxicity, while anticholinergic effects may add up.
How serious is the interaction between Dosulepin 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: Use reduced doses and monitor for sedation, respiratory depression, and signs of serotonin toxicity. Consider a non-serotonergic opioid.
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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