Drug interactions
Meperidine + Trazodone
Severity: Major
Meperidine 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
Trazodone has serotonergic activity through reuptake inhibition and 5-HT2A antagonism, and meperidine adds serotonergic effect. The combination may cause serotonin syndrome and additive sedation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meperidine 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.
Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Trazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from trazodone and meperidine.
What to do
Choose a non-serotonergic opioid if possible. If combined, monitor for serotonin syndrome and excessive sedation, and use the lowest effective doses.
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 Trazodone
- Arsenic trioxide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Meperidine with Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Meperidine 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. Trazodone has serotonergic activity through reuptake inhibition and 5-HT2A antagonism, and meperidine adds serotonergic effect. The combination may cause serotonin syndrome and additive sedation.
How serious is the interaction between Meperidine 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: Choose a non-serotonergic opioid if possible. If combined, monitor for serotonin syndrome and excessive sedation, and use the lowest effective doses.
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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