Can you take trazodone and darvocet together?

1 ANSWERS

1. amomipais82
   

   Hi,
   There is possible drug-drug interaction with Lexapro, Trazodone and Darvocet-N) and probably due to the effect of Darvocet-N on both trazodone (Desyrel) and Lexapro. This may occur via 2 ways. First, what is called, "pharmacokinetic
   " drug interaction; second, "pharmacodynamic
   " drug interaction.
   
   
   1. "Pharmacokinetic" drug interaction:
   
   Darvocet-N (Propoxyphene and Acetaminophen) can inhibit the metabolism (break down) of both Lexapro and trazodone leading to an increase in their blood levels and subsequent increase in their side effects. To explain, Darvocet-N is an inhibitor (antagonizes) the action of a specific liver enzyme CYP3A4) that both Lexapro and trazodone heavily depend on for their metabolism. This leads to the interaction I mentioned above.
   
   The end result is that, you may experience more side effects from Lexapro (e.g., increased upset stomach, headache, diarrhea, anxiety, restlessness, agitation, tremor, etc.) and trazodone (e.g., increased drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, drop in blood pressure, etc.).
   
   2. "Pharmacodynamic" drug interaction:
   
   This occurs when a drug that acts in one particular organ, is added to another that also acts on the same organ. For example, Lexapro and trazodone acts in the brain that may cause certain side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue. Darvocet-N can also act on the brain causing dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, fatigue. (Sometimes, it may cause the opposite effect such as excitement and insomnia.)
   
   In this case, based on the drug-interaction pathways described above, it is clinically prudent to use less dose of Lexapro and trazodone when combined with Darvocet-N to avoid increased in their side effects. You should also be warned of the potential for increase side effects and to avoid certain activities that require attention (e.g., driving, swimming, operating dangerous machinery, etc.) until you have adjusted accordingly to the side effects.
   
   Incidentally, Vicodin (hydrocodone with acetaminophen) does not appear to interfere with the metabolism of Lexapro and trazodone. In short, it does not have a "pharmacokinetic" drug interaction with these drugs. However, there may still be a "pharmacodynamic" drug interaction with Vicodin, Lexapro and trazodone. Vicodin, being an opiate, may increase the effect of trazodone and Lexapro at the site of action (brain). This could lead to increase in drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue.
   
   Please talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication/herbs. Discuss with him/her the potential for drug-drug or drug-herb interactions.

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