Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Gabapentin enacarbil
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Gabapentin enacarbil: 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
Gabapentinoids combined with opioids increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. Serious and fatal respiratory depression has been reported, particularly in older adults and those with lung disease or renal impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Gabapentin enacarbil 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; Gabapentin enacarbil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from gabapentinoid and opioid pharmacology.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression, especially in renal impairment, COPD or the elderly. Reduce the gabapentin enacarbil dose if symptoms develop.
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 Gabapentin enacarbil
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Gabapentin enacarbil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Gabapentin enacarbil 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. Gabapentinoids combined with opioids increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. Serious and fatal respiratory depression has been reported, particularly in older adults and those with lung disease or renal impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Gabapentin enacarbil?
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 sedation and respiratory depression, especially in renal impairment, COPD or the elderly. Reduce the gabapentin enacarbil dose if symptoms develop.
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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