Drug interactions
Asenapine + Brexanolone
Severity: Major
Asenapine and Brexanolone: 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
Brexanolone causes excessive sedation and sudden loss of consciousness in some patients, and asenapine adds further CNS depression. The combination raises the likelihood of oversedation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Asenapine and Brexanolone 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 CNS depression; brexanolone is a positive GABA-A receptor modulator.
What to do
Monitor sedation and oxygen saturation continuously during the infusion. Reduce or hold the sedating drug if excessive sedation occurs, and interrupt brexanolone if needed.
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
Other interactions of Asenapine
- Asenapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Asenapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Asenapine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Asenapine Major
- Alfentanil + Asenapine Major
- Alfuzosin + Asenapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Asenapine with Brexanolone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Asenapine and Brexanolone 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. Brexanolone causes excessive sedation and sudden loss of consciousness in some patients, and asenapine adds further CNS depression. The combination raises the likelihood of oversedation.
How serious is the interaction between Asenapine and Brexanolone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor sedation and oxygen saturation continuously during the infusion. Reduce or hold the sedating drug if excessive sedation occurs, and interrupt brexanolone if needed.
What other medicines interact with Asenapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Asenapine with, for example, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Vandetanib. The full list is on the Asenapine page.
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