Drug interactions
Asenapine + Valproic acid
Severity: Moderate
Asenapine and Valproic acid: moderate 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
Valproic acid and asenapine are commonly co-prescribed in bipolar disorder, but both cause sedation, so combined use can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Valproate may also contribute to weight gain and metabolic effects alongside the antipsychotic.
What this interaction means in plain words
Asenapine and Valproic acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Asenapine belongs to Central Nervous System; Valproic acid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system depression (pharmacodynamic).
What to do
Monitor for oversedation, particularly early in treatment or after dose increases. Follow weight and metabolic parameters during long-term use.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Asenapine
- Asenapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Asenapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Asenapine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Asenapine Major
- Alfentanil + Asenapine Major
- Alfuzosin + Asenapine Major
Other interactions of Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Asenapine with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Asenapine and Valproic acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Valproic acid and asenapine are commonly co-prescribed in bipolar disorder, but both cause sedation, so combined use can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Valproate may also contribute to weight gain and metabolic effects alongside the antipsychotic.
How serious is the interaction between Asenapine and Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for oversedation, particularly early in treatment or after dose increases. Follow weight and metabolic parameters during long-term use.
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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