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Drug interactions

Buprenorphine + Cyproheptadine

Severity: Moderate

Buprenorphine and Cyproheptadine: moderate 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

Opioids combined with sedating antihistamines can increase drowsiness and, in some patients, respiratory depression. Risk is higher at higher opioid doses, in the elderly, and with other depressants.

What this interaction means in plain words

Buprenorphine and Cyproheptadine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Cyproheptadine belongs to Respiratory.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid agonism and H1 antagonism.

What to do

Use the lowest effective doses, monitor sedation and respiratory rate, and avoid alcohol and other depressants.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Buprenorphine with Cyproheptadine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine and Cyproheptadine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Opioids combined with sedating antihistamines can increase drowsiness and, in some patients, respiratory depression. Risk is higher at higher opioid doses, in the elderly, and with other depressants.

How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Cyproheptadine?

MediHelp rates it moderate, 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, monitor sedation and respiratory rate, and avoid alcohol and other depressants.

What other medicines interact with Cyproheptadine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyproheptadine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. The full list is on the Cyproheptadine page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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