Drug interactions
Asenapine + Buprenorphine buccal
Severity: Major
Asenapine and Buprenorphine buccal: 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
Buprenorphine can prolong the QT interval and, like other opioids, adds to sedation and respiratory depression with antipsychotics. Together with asenapine this raises both arrhythmia and CNS depression concerns.
What this interaction means in plain words
Asenapine and Buprenorphine buccal 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 and respiratory depression and additive effects on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolytes if risk factors for QT prolongation exist.
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 Buprenorphine buccal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Asenapine and Buprenorphine buccal 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. Buprenorphine can prolong the QT interval and, like other opioids, adds to sedation and respiratory depression with antipsychotics. Together with asenapine this raises both arrhythmia and CNS depression concerns.
How serious is the interaction between Asenapine and Buprenorphine buccal?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolytes if risk factors for QT prolongation exist.
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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