Drug interactions
Brivaracetam + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Brivaracetam and Sodium oxybate: major 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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant that can cause profound sedation and respiratory depression. Adding brivaracetam may increase sedation and impair arousal during sleep.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brivaracetam 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.
Brivaracetam belongs to Central Nervous System; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for excessive sedation and respiratory depression. Consider reducing the oxybate dose if excess sedation occurs, and avoid other sedatives.
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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Other interactions of Brivaracetam
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Brivaracetam Major
- Acetaminophen / phenyltoloxamine + Brivaracetam Moderate
- Alfentanil + Brivaracetam Moderate
- Alprazolam + Brivaracetam Moderate
- Amisulpride + Brivaracetam Moderate
- Amobarbital + Brivaracetam Moderate
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 Brivaracetam with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Brivaracetam 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 that can cause profound sedation and respiratory depression. Adding brivaracetam may increase sedation and impair arousal during sleep.
How serious is the interaction between Brivaracetam 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: Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for excessive sedation and respiratory depression. Consider reducing the oxybate dose if excess sedation occurs, and avoid other sedatives.
What other medicines interact with Brivaracetam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Brivaracetam with, for example, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Acetaminophen / phenyltoloxamine, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Brivaracetam page.
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