Drug interactions
Brexpiprazole + Buprenorphine transdermal
Severity: Major
Brexpiprazole and Buprenorphine transdermal: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: EMA 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
Co-use of brexpiprazole and transdermal buprenorphine can increase sedation, dizziness and the risk of respiratory depression. The patch keeps delivering drug after problems appear, so effects may be prolonged.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brexpiprazole and Buprenorphine transdermal 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 from opioid and antipsychotic pharmacology.
What to do
Reserve for patients lacking alternatives, use the lowest effective doses, and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression; remove the patch if oversedation occurs.
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 Brexpiprazole
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Brexpiprazole with Buprenorphine transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Brexpiprazole and Buprenorphine transdermal 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. Co-use of brexpiprazole and transdermal buprenorphine can increase sedation, dizziness and the risk of respiratory depression. The patch keeps delivering drug after problems appear, so effects may be prolonged.
How serious is the interaction between Brexpiprazole and Buprenorphine transdermal?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reserve for patients lacking alternatives, use the lowest effective doses, and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression; remove the patch if oversedation occurs.
What other medicines interact with Brexpiprazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Brexpiprazole with, for example, Alfentanil, Amisulpride, Apalutamide. The full list is on the Brexpiprazole page.
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