Drug interactions
Buprenorphine long-acting + Fluoxetine
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine long-acting and Fluoxetine: 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
Long-acting injectable buprenorphine can prolong the QTc interval, and fluoxetine may add to this effect. Both are serotonergic, so serotonin syndrome is possible. The depot cannot be quickly removed, so effects may persist.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine long-acting and Fluoxetine 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
Additive QT prolongation and additive serotonergic activity.
What to do
Check an ECG at baseline in patients with QT risk factors and correct electrolytes. Monitor for serotonin toxicity after starting or changing fluoxetine.
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 Fluoxetine
- Fluoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Fluoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine long-acting with Fluoxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine long-acting and Fluoxetine 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. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine can prolong the QTc interval, and fluoxetine may add to this effect. Both are serotonergic, so serotonin syndrome is possible. The depot cannot be quickly removed, so effects may persist.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine long-acting and Fluoxetine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check an ECG at baseline in patients with QT risk factors and correct electrolytes. Monitor for serotonin toxicity after starting or changing fluoxetine.
What other medicines interact with Fluoxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fluoxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Mavacamten, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Fluoxetine page.
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