Drug interactions
Meperidine + Protriptyline
Severity: Major
Meperidine and Protriptyline: 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
Protriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, inhibits monoamine reuptake and may add to the serotonergic activity of meperidine. This can lead to serotonin syndrome and possibly seizures.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meperidine and Protriptyline 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.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Choose a non-serotonergic opioid; if combined, monitor for serotonin syndrome and neuroexcitation.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Meperidine with Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Meperidine and Protriptyline 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. Protriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, inhibits monoamine reuptake and may add to the serotonergic activity of meperidine. This can lead to serotonin syndrome and possibly seizures.
How serious is the interaction between Meperidine and Protriptyline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Choose a non-serotonergic opioid; if combined, monitor for serotonin syndrome and neuroexcitation.
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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