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Drug interactions

Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Sertraline

Severity: Moderate

Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Sertraline: 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 can prolong the QT interval, and sertraline may add a small effect. Serotonin syndrome has also been reported when opioids are combined with serotonergic antidepressants.

What this interaction means in plain words

Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Sertraline 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation and additive serotonergic activity.

What to do

Monitor for serotonin toxicity and sedation, and obtain an ECG in patients with other QT risk factors. Review the combination if symptoms appear.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Buprenorphine subdermal implant with Sertraline?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Sertraline 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 can prolong the QT interval, and sertraline may add a small effect. Serotonin syndrome has also been reported when opioids are combined with serotonergic antidepressants.

How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Sertraline?

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 serotonin toxicity and sedation, and obtain an ECG in patients with other QT risk factors. Review the combination if symptoms appear.

What other medicines interact with Sertraline?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Sertraline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Sertraline page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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