Drug interactions
Asenapine transdermal + Buprenorphine
Severity: Major
Asenapine transdermal and Buprenorphine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Asenapine is an antipsychotic with sedating and QT-prolonging effects, and buprenorphine adds both. The combination may increase drowsiness, respiratory depression and arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Asenapine transdermal and Buprenorphine 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 and additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Use only if alternatives are inadequate, with the lowest effective doses, and monitor sedation, respiration and QTc. Correct electrolyte abnormalities and avoid other CNS depressants.
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 Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Asenapine transdermal with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Asenapine transdermal and Buprenorphine 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. Asenapine is an antipsychotic with sedating and QT-prolonging effects, and buprenorphine adds both. The combination may increase drowsiness, respiratory depression and arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Asenapine transdermal and Buprenorphine?
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 only if alternatives are inadequate, with the lowest effective doses, and monitor sedation, respiration and QTc. Correct electrolyte abnormalities and avoid other CNS depressants.
What other medicines interact with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buprenorphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Buprenorphine page.
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