Drug interactions
Buprenorphine long-acting + Doxylamine
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine long-acting and Doxylamine: 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
Combining long-acting injectable buprenorphine with CNS depressants such as doxylamine increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. The injection cannot be withdrawn, so effects may be prolonged.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine long-acting and Doxylamine 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.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic synergism of CNS and respiratory depression from opioid agonism and central H1 antagonism.
What to do
Avoid doxylamine where feasible and choose non-sedating alternatives for allergy or insomnia. If it must be used, monitor sedation and respiration and educate the patient on overdose signs.
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 Doxylamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine long-acting with Doxylamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine long-acting and Doxylamine 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. Combining long-acting injectable buprenorphine with CNS depressants such as doxylamine increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. The injection cannot be withdrawn, so effects may be prolonged.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine long-acting and Doxylamine?
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 doxylamine where feasible and choose non-sedating alternatives for allergy or insomnia. If it must be used, monitor sedation and respiration and educate the patient on overdose signs.
What other medicines interact with Doxylamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Doxylamine with, for example, Belladonna and opium, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Doxylamine page.
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