Drug interactions
Brexpiprazole + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Brexpiprazole and Sodium oxybate: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and combining it with brexpiprazole can cause excessive sedation, respiratory depression and coma. Labeling for sodium oxybate warns against use with other CNS depressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brexpiprazole and Sodium oxybate 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.
Brexpiprazole belongs to Central Nervous System; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via GABA-B and GHB receptor activity plus antipsychotic sedation.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible, or use the lowest doses with close monitoring of sedation and respiration. Consider reducing or interrupting sodium oxybate if CNS depression 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
Other interactions of Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Brexpiprazole with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Brexpiprazole and Sodium oxybate 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. Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and combining it with brexpiprazole can cause excessive sedation, respiratory depression and coma. Labeling for sodium oxybate warns against use with other CNS depressants.
How serious is the interaction between Brexpiprazole and Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if possible, or use the lowest doses with close monitoring of sedation and respiration. Consider reducing or interrupting sodium oxybate if CNS depression 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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