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Can Antidepressants Be Taken While On Hydromorphone?

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Posted on Wed, 6 Jan 2016
Question: Had a whipple surgery 2 years ago. On 2mg hydromorphone for cronic pancreatitis. Doc wants me on an anti depressant. Afraid of drug interactions and it may effect the last bit of pancreas I have left. Are there any safe. The difference between Ssri or tricyclics drugs
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
the risk for pancreatic complications is very low

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

tricyclics and SSRIs rarely cause any problems to the pancreas. The tricyclics seem to do that even less often. But the SSRIs are considered safe too. Please be aware that there are scarce reports of pancreatic problems though.

Regarding the choice between tricyclics and SSRI, I would vote against the tricyclics because they seem to have more serious side effects (including some cardiovascular ones). The SSRIs are usually very well tolerated.

Regarding the combination with hydromorphone, both drug classes may cause problems. The problems are usually related to increased sedation and dizziness. It would be like boosting some of the side effects of hydromorphone. I wouldn't expect a very serious interaction though. And, of course, the effect on any particular individual cannot be predicted.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3817 Questions

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Can Antidepressants Be Taken While On Hydromorphone?

Brief Answer: the risk for pancreatic complications is very low Detailed Answer: Hello, tricyclics and SSRIs rarely cause any problems to the pancreas. The tricyclics seem to do that even less often. But the SSRIs are considered safe too. Please be aware that there are scarce reports of pancreatic problems though. Regarding the choice between tricyclics and SSRI, I would vote against the tricyclics because they seem to have more serious side effects (including some cardiovascular ones). The SSRIs are usually very well tolerated. Regarding the combination with hydromorphone, both drug classes may cause problems. The problems are usually related to increased sedation and dizziness. It would be like boosting some of the side effects of hydromorphone. I wouldn't expect a very serious interaction though. And, of course, the effect on any particular individual cannot be predicted. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!