Drug interactions
Meperidine + Vilazodone
Severity: Major
Meperidine and Vilazodone: 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
Vilazodone combines serotonin reuptake inhibition with 5-HT1A partial agonism, and meperidine adds serotonergic activity. The pair may cause serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meperidine and Vilazodone 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; Vilazodone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects from vilazodone's reuptake inhibition and 5-HT1A agonism and meperidine's reuptake inhibition.
What to do
Use a non-serotonergic opioid instead. If unavoidable, monitor for serotonin syndrome and discontinue both drugs with supportive care if it occurs.
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 Vilazodone
- Isocarboxazid + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Vilazodone Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Vilazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Meperidine with Vilazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Meperidine and Vilazodone 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. Vilazodone combines serotonin reuptake inhibition with 5-HT1A partial agonism, and meperidine adds serotonergic activity. The pair may cause serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
How serious is the interaction between Meperidine and Vilazodone?
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 instead. If unavoidable, monitor for serotonin syndrome and discontinue both drugs with supportive care if it occurs.
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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