Drug interactions
Meperidine + Sertraline
Severity: Major
Meperidine and Sertraline: 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
Sertraline increases synaptic serotonin and meperidine adds serotonergic activity, so the combination can produce serotonin syndrome. Symptoms range from tremor and diarrhea to hyperthermia, rigidity and seizures.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meperidine and Sertraline 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 belongs to Musculoskeletal; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from SSRI activity and meperidine's reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Use a non-serotonergic opioid such as morphine instead. If combined, watch for serotonin toxicity and stop both drugs 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 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 Meperidine with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Meperidine and Sertraline 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. Sertraline increases synaptic serotonin and meperidine adds serotonergic activity, so the combination can produce serotonin syndrome. Symptoms range from tremor and diarrhea to hyperthermia, rigidity and seizures.
How serious is the interaction between Meperidine and Sertraline?
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 a non-serotonergic opioid such as morphine instead. If combined, watch for serotonin toxicity and stop both drugs 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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