Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Buprenorphine subdermal implant
Severity: Major
Amitriptyline and Buprenorphine subdermal implant: 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 buprenorphine adds respiratory and CNS depression to amitriptyline sedation. Together they raise the risk of arrhythmia, profound sedation and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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
Limit use to patients without adequate alternatives and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Obtain an ECG if there are other QT risk factors.
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 subdermal implant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amitriptyline and Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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 buprenorphine adds respiratory and CNS depression to amitriptyline sedation. Together they raise the risk of arrhythmia, profound sedation and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Buprenorphine subdermal implant?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit use to patients without adequate alternatives and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Obtain an ECG if there are other QT risk factors.
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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