Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Dosulepin
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Dosulepin: 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
Dosulepin is a sedating tricyclic antidepressant that can add to buprenorphine's CNS and respiratory depression. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval and have serotonergic activity, and dosulepin is dangerous in overdose.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Dosulepin 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; Dosulepin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression, with possible additive QT prolongation and serotonergic effects.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation, respiratory status and cardiac risk factors, with an ECG in patients with QT risk. Consider an alternative antidepressant if risk is significant.
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 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 Dosulepin
- Dosulepin + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Dosulepin + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Dosulepin Major
- Chlorpromazine + Dosulepin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Dosulepin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Dosulepin 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. Dosulepin is a sedating tricyclic antidepressant that can add to buprenorphine's CNS and respiratory depression. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval and have serotonergic activity, and dosulepin is dangerous in overdose.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Dosulepin?
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 sedation, respiratory status and cardiac risk factors, with an ECG in patients with QT risk. Consider an alternative antidepressant if risk is significant.
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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