Can I take Sudafed while on SSRI?
The short answer is: you can, but it's not recommended because of the risks. The combination of antidepressants and cold medicine may increase serotonin levels, which could cause Serotonin Syndrome. This syndrome causes high blood pressure, change in body temperature, issues with muscle movement, and mood changes.
by Drugs.com
A nasal decongestant and acetaminophen combination tablet or a nasal decongestant spray may be of benefit, and are safe. Talk with your pharmacist.
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Sudafed Congestion and Zoloft.
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Pseudoephedrine Sinus and sertraline. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Pseudoephedrine is also an inhibitor of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin transporters. The sympathomimetic effects of pseudoephedrine include an increase in mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and chronotropic response of the right atria.
What might happen: You could have worsening of usual side effects such as dizziness, headache, or nausea. High serotonin levels may cause changes in body temperature, blood pressure, muscle movements and mood, leading to a medical condition called Serotonin Syndrome.
Besides being a decongestant, pseudoephedrine has stimulant effects. This can include faster heartbeat, higher blood pressure, and trouble sleeping. Combining it with certain antidepressants, headache medications, and even caffeine can make these even worse.
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – a common type of painkiller that includes ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen.
- antiplatelets – a type of medicine used to prevent blood clots, such as low-dose aspirin and clopidogrel.
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Lexapro and Sudafed 12-Hour.
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – a common type of painkiller that includes ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen.
- antiplatelets – a type of medicine used to prevent blood clots, such as low-dose aspirin and clopidogrel.
What drugs Cannot be taken with Sudafed?
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication.
Diphenhydramine may occasionally interact with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants such as sertraline (Zoloft). We found one case report that suggests diphenhydramine affects the neurotransmitter serotonin (Cureus, Apr. 2018). This could lead to a complication called serotonin syndrome.
