Opioid overdose associated with concomitant use of hydrocodone and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently co-prescribed with opioids, increasing the risk of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions. Hydrocodone, a commonly prescribed opioid metabolized by cytochrome (CYP) 2D6 and CYP3A4, may be affected by enzyme inhibition from certain SSRIs. However, it remains unclear whether all SSRIs pose equal overdose risk or if some may be safer options for patients requiring both medications. Thus, we aimed to evaluate comparative risks of opioid overdose among patients initiating SSRIs while on hydrocodone.

Methods

This population-based cohort study utilized US public and commercial health insurance claims data from 2004 to 2022 and included patients who initiated a SSRI (citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxet

SUBMITTER: Bea S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12664141 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature