Drug interactions
Paroxetine + Sufentanil
Severity: Moderate
Paroxetine and Sufentanil: 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
Sufentanil is a serotonergic-capable opioid, and combining it with paroxetine may rarely precipitate serotonin syndrome. Paroxetine is also a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor, although sufentanil is mainly cleared by CYP3A4, so a kinetic effect is less likely. Additive CNS depression is possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paroxetine and Sufentanil 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.
Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects, with possible additive CNS depression.
What to do
If both are needed, use the lowest effective sufentanil dose and monitor for serotonin syndrome features and sedation or respiratory depression. Switch to a non-serotonergic analgesic if symptoms develop.
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 Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Sufentanil
- Alprazolam + Sufentanil Major
- Amitriptyline + Sufentanil Major
- Amobarbital + Sufentanil Major
- Aripiprazole + Sufentanil Major
- Asenapine + Sufentanil Major
- Baclofen + Sufentanil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Paroxetine with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Paroxetine and Sufentanil 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. Sufentanil is a serotonergic-capable opioid, and combining it with paroxetine may rarely precipitate serotonin syndrome. Paroxetine is also a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor, although sufentanil is mainly cleared by CYP3A4, so a kinetic effect is less likely. Additive CNS depression is possible.
How serious is the interaction between Paroxetine and Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If both are needed, use the lowest effective sufentanil dose and monitor for serotonin syndrome features and sedation or respiratory depression. Switch to a non-serotonergic analgesic if symptoms develop.
What other medicines interact with Paroxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paroxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Paroxetine page.
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