Drug interactions
L-tryptophan + Meperidine
Severity: Moderate
L-tryptophan and Meperidine: 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
L-tryptophan is the amino acid precursor of serotonin, and meperidine inhibits serotonin reuptake. Together they may raise serotonin levels enough to cause serotonin syndrome.
What this interaction means in plain words
L-tryptophan and Meperidine 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.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects: increased serotonin synthesis from tryptophan plus meperidine reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Avoid supplemental tryptophan in patients taking meperidine where possible. If both are used, monitor for tremor, clonus, agitation and hyperthermia.
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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take L-tryptophan with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. L-tryptophan and Meperidine 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. L-tryptophan is the amino acid precursor of serotonin, and meperidine inhibits serotonin reuptake. Together they may raise serotonin levels enough to cause serotonin syndrome.
How serious is the interaction between L-tryptophan and Meperidine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid supplemental tryptophan in patients taking meperidine where possible. If both are used, monitor for tremor, clonus, agitation and hyperthermia.
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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