Drug interactions
Buprenorphine transdermal + Fluoxetine
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine transdermal 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
Transdermal buprenorphine can prolong the QTc interval, and fluoxetine may add to this effect. Both are serotonergic, so serotonin syndrome is possible. The patch gives steady exposure, and the risk is higher with other QT risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine transdermal 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
Obtain an ECG in patients with other QT risk factors, and correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. Monitor for serotonin toxicity.
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 transdermal with Fluoxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine transdermal 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. Transdermal buprenorphine can prolong the QTc interval, and fluoxetine may add to this effect. Both are serotonergic, so serotonin syndrome is possible. The patch gives steady exposure, and the risk is higher with other QT risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine transdermal 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: Obtain an ECG in patients with other QT risk factors, and correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. Monitor for serotonin toxicity.
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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