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Drug interactions

Buprenorphine + Flibanserin

Severity: Major

Buprenorphine and Flibanserin: 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

Opioids such as buprenorphine add to the sedative and hypotensive effects of flibanserin, increasing risk of somnolence, syncope and respiratory depression. The risk is greater with higher doses or in the elderly.

What this interaction means in plain words

Buprenorphine and Flibanserin 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; Flibanserin belongs to Genitourinary.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive pharmacodynamic CNS and respiratory depression.

What to do

Avoid the combination when possible; if used, give the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status.

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?

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

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References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Buprenorphine with Flibanserin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Flibanserin 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. Opioids such as buprenorphine add to the sedative and hypotensive effects of flibanserin, increasing risk of somnolence, syncope and respiratory depression. The risk is greater with higher doses or in the elderly.

How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Flibanserin?

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 when possible; if used, give the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status.

What other medicines interact with Flibanserin?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Flibanserin with, for example, Atazanavir, Ceritinib, Clarithromycin. The full list is on the Flibanserin page.

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