Dextromethorphan and quinidine and Sertraline interaction
Dextromethorphan and quinidine and Sertraline: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Dextromethorphan and quinidine (Nuedexta) label · effective 2026-01-22
Serotonin syndrome: Use of NUEDEXTA with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants increases the risk.
Serotonin Syndrome When used with SSRIs (such as fluoxetine) or tricyclic antidepressants (such as clomipramine and imipramine), NUEDEXTA may cause "serotonin syndrome", with changes including altered mental status, hypertension, restlessness, myoclonus, hyperthermia, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, shivering, and tremor [ see Drug Interactions ( 7.4 ), Overdosage…
SSRIs and Tricyclic Antidepressants Use of NUEDEXTA with SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants increases the risk of 'serotonin syndrome' [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] .
Desipramine (CYP2D6 substrate): The tricyclic antidepressant desipramine is metabolized primarily by CYP2D6.
From the Sertraline (sertraline hydrochloride) label · effective 2025-08-06
Serotonin Syndrome: Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents, but also when taken alone.
If concomitant use of sertraline hydrochloride capsules with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome and monitor for symptoms.
Avoid the concomitant use of drugs known to prolong the QTc interval.
The risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, meperidine, methadone, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St.
Drugs that Prolong the QTc Interval Clinical Impact: The risk of QTc prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias (e.g., TdP) is increased with concomitant use of sertraline hydrochloride capsules with other drugs which prolong the QTc interval [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] .
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Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.