Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Carisoprodol
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Carisoprodol: 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
Carisoprodol is a sedating muscle relaxant whose metabolite meprobamate adds to opioid CNS and respiratory depression. The combination is associated with overdose and misuse.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Carisoprodol 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.
Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Carisoprodol belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with GABA-A activity of the meprobamate metabolite.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if used, limit dose and duration and monitor sedation and respiration. Provide naloxone and counseling.
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
Other interactions of Carisoprodol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Carisoprodol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Carisoprodol 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. Carisoprodol is a sedating muscle relaxant whose metabolite meprobamate adds to opioid CNS and respiratory depression. The combination is associated with overdose and misuse.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Carisoprodol?
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 where possible; if used, limit dose and duration and monitor sedation and respiration. Provide naloxone and counseling.
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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