Drug interactions
Asenapine + Buprenorphine long-acting
Severity: Major
Asenapine and Buprenorphine long-acting: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QTc interval, so combining them may raise the risk of torsades de pointes. Both also depress the central nervous system, so the combination can cause additive sedation and impaired psychomotor function.
What this interaction means in plain words
Asenapine 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 through cardiac repolarization effects plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Prefer an alternative antipsychotic or opioid therapy where possible. If both are needed, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor for excessive sedation and QTc changes.
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 long-acting?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Asenapine 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, so combining them may raise the risk of torsades de pointes. Both also depress the central nervous system, so the combination can cause additive sedation and impaired psychomotor function.
How serious is the interaction between Asenapine 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: Prefer an alternative antipsychotic or opioid therapy where possible. If both are needed, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor for excessive sedation and QTc changes.
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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