Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Sertraline
Severity: Moderate
Hydrocodone and Sertraline: 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
Sertraline is a mild to moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor and may reduce hydrocodone activation, while both drugs add serotonergic effects that could cause serotonin syndrome. Sedation may also be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone and Sertraline 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.
Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic activity plus modest CYP2D6 inhibition by sertraline.
What to do
Monitor for serotonin toxicity, sedation and changes in analgesic effect, especially after dose changes. Adjust the hydrocodone dose according to response.
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 Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone Major
Other interactions of Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocodone with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrocodone and Sertraline 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. Sertraline is a mild to moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor and may reduce hydrocodone activation, while both drugs add serotonergic effects that could cause serotonin syndrome. Sedation may also be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone and Sertraline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for serotonin toxicity, sedation and changes in analgesic effect, especially after dose changes. Adjust the hydrocodone dose according to response.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydrocodone page.
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