JASON asked
Can you take oxycodone with Zoloft?
At a glance
- There is a potential interaction between oxycodone and Zoloft (sertraline).
- Both can cause additive sedation and can increase the risk of a rare but serious disorder known as serotonin syndrome.
Answer
There is a potential interaction between oxycodone and Zoloft (sertraline). Caution is recommended when using both drugs together.
Interaction Details
There are two potential issues with taking Zoloft and oxycodone together:
- They can cause additive sedation and drowsiness.
- They both have serotonergic effects, and although rare, increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but serious condition that can occur when high levels of serotonin build up in the brain, causing toxicity. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include but aren't limited to:
- Agitation
- Visual disturbances
- Elevated heart rate
- Fever
- Sweating
- Spasms
- Shivering
- Muscle stiffness
The overall incidence rate of serotonin syndrome in those taking SSRI antidepressants (like Zoloft) and opioids (like oxycodone) is low but is important to be aware of nonetheless. Several studies have been published that show a low, but still relevant, risk.
In March 2016, the FDA released a safety announcement regarding the risk of combining antidepressants and opioids:
"Opioids can interact with antidepressants and migraine medicines to cause a serious central nervous system reaction called serotonin syndrome, in which high levels of the chemical serotonin build up in the brain and cause toxicity."
While the risk is there, the combination of SSRI drugs and opioids is relatively common.
If they are used together, it is important to be carefully monitored, especially during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. The drugs should be discontinued if serotonin syndrome is suspected or related side effects appear.
