Codeine Drug Interactions

Interactions between codeine and other prescribed medications may also produce side effects. Medications that may be taken for seizures, nausea, anxiety, and mental illness are of particular concern. Other medications that can produce adverse reactions include:

• Sedatives
• MAO inhibitors
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Other narcotic pain relievers
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Anticholinergic medications

It is important that patients taking these medications speak to their doctor or pharmacist. In some cases, a physician may want the patient to stop taking one of the medications, change one of the medications, or discontinue treatment with codeine.