Drug interactions
Aripiprazole + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Aripiprazole and Sodium oxybate: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS and respiratory depressant, and aripiprazole adds sedation. The combination can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression and coma.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aripiprazole and Sodium oxybate 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.
Aripiprazole belongs to Central Nervous System; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression through pharmacodynamic synergism.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if it is necessary, use the lowest effective doses and monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel the patient not to use alcohol or other sedatives.
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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References
- Abilify 1 mg/mL Oral Solution - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: other CNS medicinal products with overlapping adverse reactions such as sedation; "caution should be used when aripiprazole is administered in combination with alcohol or other CNS medicinal products with overlapping adverse re… — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Aripiprazole + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Aripiprazole Major
- Aripiprazole + Arsenic trioxide Major
- Aripiprazole + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Major
- Aripiprazole + Carbamazepine Major
Other interactions of Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aripiprazole with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Aripiprazole and Sodium oxybate 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. Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS and respiratory depressant, and aripiprazole adds sedation. The combination can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression and coma.
How serious is the interaction between Aripiprazole and Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if it is necessary, use the lowest effective doses and monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel the patient not to use alcohol or other sedatives.
What other medicines interact with Aripiprazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Aripiprazole with, for example, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Aripiprazole page.
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