Drug interactions
Buprenorphine long-acting + Valproic acid
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine long-acting and Valproic acid: 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
Buprenorphine is an opioid and valproate is a CNS depressant, so their combination may cause additive sedation and respiratory depression. The long-acting injection cannot be quickly withdrawn if problems occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine long-acting and Valproic acid 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 central nervous system depression.
What to do
Monitor for oversedation and respiratory depression after each injection and when valproate doses change. Counsel the patient to avoid alcohol and other sedatives.
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 Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine long-acting with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine long-acting and Valproic acid 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. Buprenorphine is an opioid and valproate is a CNS depressant, so their combination may cause additive sedation and respiratory depression. The long-acting injection cannot be quickly withdrawn if problems occur.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine long-acting and Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for oversedation and respiratory depression after each injection and when valproate doses change. Counsel the patient to avoid alcohol and other sedatives.
What other medicines interact with Valproic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Valproic acid with, for example, Ertapenem, Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam, Imipenem / cilastatin. The full list is on the Valproic acid page.
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