Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Scullcap
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine and Scullcap: 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
Scullcap is traditionally used as a mild sedative herb and may add to the central nervous system depression produced by buprenorphine. This could cause excess drowsiness and impaired alertness, although supporting data are limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Scullcap 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.
Why it happens
Possible additive CNS depressant effects; the herb's sedative activity is poorly characterized.
What to do
Counsel the patient to avoid driving or hazardous tasks until the combined effect is known. Monitor for excessive sedation and discourage use of the herbal product if drowsiness occurs.
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?
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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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Scullcap?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine and Scullcap 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. Scullcap is traditionally used as a mild sedative herb and may add to the central nervous system depression produced by buprenorphine. This could cause excess drowsiness and impaired alertness, although supporting data are limited.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Scullcap?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel the patient to avoid driving or hazardous tasks until the combined effect is known. Monitor for excessive sedation and discourage use of the herbal product if drowsiness occurs.
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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