Drug interactions
Buprenorphine long-acting + Quetiapine
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine long-acting and Quetiapine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 provides prolonged exposure, so its sedative and QT effects add to quetiapine for an extended period. This raises the risk of excess sedation, respiratory depression and arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine long-acting and Quetiapine 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
Additive QT prolongation and additive CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression, and check ECG in patients with QT risk factors. Keep quetiapine at the lowest effective dose, as the buprenorphine effect cannot be quickly withdrawn.
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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References
Other interactions of Quetiapine
- Adagrasib + Quetiapine Major
- Amiodarone + Quetiapine Major
- Amisulpride + Quetiapine Major
- Amoxapine + Quetiapine Major
- Anagrelide + Quetiapine Major
- Apalutamide + Quetiapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine long-acting with Quetiapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine long-acting and Quetiapine 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. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine provides prolonged exposure, so its sedative and QT effects add to quetiapine for an extended period. This raises the risk of excess sedation, respiratory depression and arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine long-acting and Quetiapine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression, and check ECG in patients with QT risk factors. Keep quetiapine at the lowest effective dose, as the buprenorphine effect cannot be quickly withdrawn.
What other medicines interact with Quetiapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Quetiapine with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Quetiapine page.
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