Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Phenelzine
Severity: Contraindicated
Buprenorphine and Phenelzine: contraindicated 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 MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine have caused serotonin syndrome, severe hypotension or hypertension, hyperpyrexia and CNS depression. Buprenorphine labeling advises against use during or shortly after MAOI therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Phenelzine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition may potentiate serotonergic and CNS effects of opioids; precise mechanism for buprenorphine is not fully defined.
What to do
Do not use buprenorphine with phenelzine or within 14 days after stopping an MAOI. Use a non-opioid analgesic or an alternative.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Buprenorphine and Phenelzine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Opioids combined with MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine have caused serotonin syndrome, severe hypotension or hypertension, hyperpyrexia and CNS depression. Buprenorphine labeling advises against use during or shortly after MAOI therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use buprenorphine with phenelzine or within 14 days after stopping an MAOI. Use a non-opioid analgesic or an alternative.
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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