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Drug interactions

Remifentanil + Sertraline

Severity: Moderate

Remifentanil and Sertraline: 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

Opioid and SSRI co-therapy can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Reports with remifentanil are rare, but the outcome can be serious.

What this interaction means in plain words

Remifentanil and Sertraline 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.

Remifentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive serotonergic effects from SSRI reuptake inhibition and opioid activity.

What to do

Monitor for clonus, agitation, hyperthermia and autonomic instability. Stop serotonergic drugs and give supportive care if serotonin syndrome occurs.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Remifentanil with Sertraline?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Remifentanil and Sertraline 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. Opioid and SSRI co-therapy can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Reports with remifentanil are rare, but the outcome can be serious.

How serious is the interaction between Remifentanil and Sertraline?

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 clonus, agitation, hyperthermia and autonomic instability. Stop serotonergic drugs and give supportive care if serotonin syndrome occurs.

What other medicines interact with Remifentanil?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Remifentanil with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Remifentanil page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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