Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Buprenorphine long-acting
Severity: Major
Amitriptyline and Buprenorphine long-acting: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both drugs can prolong the QTc interval, and long-acting buprenorphine adds CNS and respiratory depression to amitriptyline sedation. Because the injection cannot be quickly withdrawn, the interaction may persist for weeks.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Buprenorphine long-acting can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and additive CNS depression.
What to do
Reserve for patients without alternatives and monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and ECG changes. Consider a lower amitriptyline dose or a non-sedating alternative.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Buprenorphine long-acting?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Buprenorphine long-acting can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs can prolong the QTc interval, and long-acting buprenorphine adds CNS and respiratory depression to amitriptyline sedation. Because the injection cannot be quickly withdrawn, the interaction may persist for weeks.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Buprenorphine long-acting?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reserve for patients without alternatives and monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and ECG changes. Consider a lower amitriptyline dose or a non-sedating alternative.
What other medicines interact with Amitriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amitriptyline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Amitriptyline page.
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