Drug Interactions

Sertraline Hydrochloride Drug Interactions

Also known as: Sertraline hydrochloride

Sertraline hydrochloride is an antidepressant medication belonging to a group called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It helps improve mood and reduce symptoms by affecting a natural substance in the brain called serotonin. This medication is used to treat various conditions like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.Sertraline Hydrochloride has 4 documented drug interactions in our database, including 2 contraindicated, 2 major, 0 moderate, and 0 minor interactions.

2

Contraindicated

2

Major

0

Moderate

0

Minor

Phenelzine Sulfate(phenelzine sulfate)
Contraindicated

Concomitant use of sertraline and phenelzine is absolutely contraindicated due to a severe, potentially life-threatening risk of serotonin syndrome. This syndrome can manifest with mental status changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular abnormalities.

Mechanism

Sertraline increases serotonin levels by inhibiting its reuptake, while phenelzine, an MAOI, prevents serotonin breakdown. The combined effect leads to excessive accumulation of serotonin in the central nervous system.

Clinical Management

This combination must be avoided. A washout period of at least 14 days is required when switching from phenelzine to sertraline, and at least 14 days when switching from sertraline to phenelzine. Patients should be closely monitored for serotonin syndrome symptoms if inadvertent co-administration occurs.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: llm-generatedCompare these drugs
Contraindicated

Co-administration of sertraline and tranylcypromine is absolutely contraindicated due to a high risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by mental status changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular abnormalities. This interaction can lead to severe and rapid onset symptoms.

Mechanism

Sertraline inhibits serotonin reuptake, increasing synaptic serotonin levels. Tranylcypromine, an irreversible MAO inhibitor, prevents the metabolic breakdown of serotonin. The combined effect leads to excessive accumulation of serotonin in the central nervous system.

Clinical Management

Concomitant use of sertraline and tranylcypromine is strictly prohibited. A washout period of at least 14 days is required when switching from tranylcypromine to sertraline, and at least 14 days when switching from sertraline to tranylcypromine, to allow for drug elimination and enzyme regeneration.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: llm-generatedCompare these drugs
Major

Co-administration of sertraline and fluoxetine, both potent serotonin reuptake inhibitors, significantly increases the risk of Serotonin Syndrome. Patients may experience symptoms such as mental status changes, autonomic instability, neuromuscular abnormalities, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Mechanism

Both sertraline and fluoxetine increase serotonin levels in the central nervous system by inhibiting serotonin reuptake. Combining these agents leads to an additive effect, resulting in excessive serotonergic activity.

Clinical Management

Concomitant use of sertraline and fluoxetine is generally not recommended due to the high risk of Serotonin Syndrome. If co-administration is deemed necessary, monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome, and consider dose reductions or alternative therapies.

Evidence: established
Onset: rapid
Source: llm-generatedCompare these drugs
Warfarin Sodium(Warfarin Sodium)
Major

Concomitant use of warfarin and sertraline can significantly increase the risk of bleeding, including serious or life-threatening hemorrhage. Sertraline may enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, necessitating close monitoring.

Mechanism

Sertraline may inhibit the metabolism of warfarin (particularly S-warfarin via CYP2C9), increasing its plasma concentrations. Additionally, sertraline's serotonergic effects can impair platelet aggregation, contributing to an increased bleeding risk.

Clinical Management

Avoid co-administration if possible. If concomitant use is necessary, closely monitor INR and clinical signs of bleeding, especially during initiation or dose changes of sertraline. Adjust warfarin dose as needed to maintain target INR.

Evidence: established
Onset: delayed
Source: llm-generatedCompare these drugs

For complete prescribing information:

View full Sertraline Hydrochloride monograph →

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