Drug interactions
Dosulepin + Trazodone
Severity: Major
Dosulepin and Trazodone: 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 agents enhance serotonergic transmission, and use together can cause serotonin syndrome. Dosulepin is a tricyclic with additional QT, anticholinergic and sedative effects that trazodone may worsen.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dosulepin and Trazodone 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; Trazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonin reuptake inhibition and receptor effects, with additive QT and sedative effects.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible; if necessary, use low doses and monitor for serotonin toxicity, sedation, hypotension and ECG changes.
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 Trazodone
- Arsenic trioxide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trazodone 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 Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dosulepin and Trazodone 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 agents enhance serotonergic transmission, and use together can cause serotonin syndrome. Dosulepin is a tricyclic with additional QT, anticholinergic and sedative effects that trazodone may worsen.
How serious is the interaction between Dosulepin and Trazodone?
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 combining where possible; if necessary, use low doses and monitor for serotonin toxicity, sedation, hypotension and ECG changes.
What other medicines interact with Trazodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Trazodone with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Ibutilide, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Trazodone page.
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