Drug interactions
Gepirone + Meperidine
Severity: Major
Gepirone and Meperidine: major 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
Meperidine has serotonergic activity and combining it with gepirone, a serotonin 5-HT1A agonist antidepressant, may precipitate serotonin syndrome. Features include agitation, tremor, clonus, hyperthermia and autonomic instability.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gepirone 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.
Gepirone belongs to Central Nervous System; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects, with meperidine inhibiting serotonin reuptake and gepirone stimulating 5-HT1A receptors.
What to do
Avoid if possible and prefer a non-serotonergic opioid. If used together, monitor for serotonin toxicity especially after starting or raising doses, and stop one or both agents if it develops.
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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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 Gepirone
- Clarithromycin + Gepirone Contraindicated
- Gepirone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Gepirone + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Gepirone + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Gepirone + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Gepirone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gepirone with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gepirone 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. Meperidine has serotonergic activity and combining it with gepirone, a serotonin 5-HT1A agonist antidepressant, may precipitate serotonin syndrome. Features include agitation, tremor, clonus, hyperthermia and autonomic instability.
How serious is the interaction between Gepirone 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 if possible and prefer a non-serotonergic opioid. If used together, monitor for serotonin toxicity especially after starting or raising doses, and stop one or both agents if it develops.
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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