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Drug interactions

Levorphanol + Trazodone

Severity: Major

Levorphanol and Trazodone: 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

Levorphanol is an opioid, and combining it with sedating drugs such as trazodone increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension. Trazodone also has serotonergic activity, which adds a small theoretical risk of serotonin toxicity.

What this interaction means in plain words

Levorphanol 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with mild serotonergic contribution.

What to do

Use the lowest effective doses and the shortest duration, and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Warn patients to avoid alcohol and driving.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Levorphanol with Trazodone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Levorphanol 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. Levorphanol is an opioid, and combining it with sedating drugs such as trazodone increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension. Trazodone also has serotonergic activity, which adds a small theoretical risk of serotonin toxicity.

How serious is the interaction between Levorphanol 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: Use the lowest effective doses and the shortest duration, and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Warn patients to avoid alcohol and driving.

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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