Drug interactions
Methylphenidate + Sufentanil sl
Severity: Moderate
Methylphenidate and Sufentanil sl: moderate 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
Opioids with serotonergic activity combined with stimulants that affect monoamines have been linked to serotonin syndrome in labeling for some opioids. Sufentanil has weak serotonergic activity, so the risk is probably low but the consequence is serious. Methylphenidate may also partially offset opioid sedation without lessening respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methylphenidate and Sufentanil sl can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Possible additive serotonergic effects, and opposing CNS effects, though the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, clonus and diarrhea, especially after starting or increasing doses. Do not rely on stimulant alertness to judge opioid respiratory depression.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Methylphenidate
- Isocarboxazid + Methylphenidate Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Methylphenidate Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Methylphenidate + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methylphenidate with Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Methylphenidate and Sufentanil sl can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Opioids with serotonergic activity combined with stimulants that affect monoamines have been linked to serotonin syndrome in labeling for some opioids. Sufentanil has weak serotonergic activity, so the risk is probably low but the consequence is serious. Methylphenidate may also partially offset opioid sedation without lessening respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Methylphenidate and Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, clonus and diarrhea, especially after starting or increasing doses. Do not rely on stimulant alertness to judge opioid respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Methylphenidate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methylphenidate with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Methylphenidate page.
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