Drug interactions
Dosulepin + Morphine
Severity: Moderate
Dosulepin and Morphine: 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
Combining morphine with the tricyclic antidepressant dosulepin can intensify sedation, dizziness and respiratory depression. Tricyclics may also add to opioid-related constipation and urinary retention through anticholinergic effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dosulepin and Morphine 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.
Dosulepin belongs to Central Nervous System; Morphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depression, with possible added serotonergic and anticholinergic effects.
What to do
Start with the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory rate, especially at initiation and dose increases. Counsel patients to avoid alcohol and driving until response is known.
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 Morphine
- Alvimopan + Morphine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Morphine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Morphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Morphine Major
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 Morphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dosulepin and Morphine 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. Combining morphine with the tricyclic antidepressant dosulepin can intensify sedation, dizziness and respiratory depression. Tricyclics may also add to opioid-related constipation and urinary retention through anticholinergic effects.
How serious is the interaction between Dosulepin and Morphine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start with the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory rate, especially at initiation and dose increases. Counsel patients to avoid alcohol and driving until response is known.
What other medicines interact with Morphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Morphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Morphine page.
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