Drug interactions
Buprenorphine transdermal + Olanzapine
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine transdermal and Olanzapine: 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 carries a labeled QT prolongation warning, and olanzapine may modestly add to this effect. Risk is higher with other QT risk factors. Additive sedation can also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine transdermal and Olanzapine 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 pharmacodynamic effect on cardiac repolarization, plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors and correct potassium and magnesium. Monitor QTc and sedation, and avoid adding further QT-prolonging drugs.
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 Olanzapine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine transdermal with Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine transdermal and Olanzapine 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 carries a labeled QT prolongation warning, and olanzapine may modestly add to this effect. Risk is higher with other QT risk factors. Additive sedation can also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine transdermal and Olanzapine?
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 a baseline ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors and correct potassium and magnesium. Monitor QTc and sedation, and avoid adding further QT-prolonging drugs.
What other medicines interact with Olanzapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Olanzapine with, for example, Amisulpride, Amoxapine, Apomorphine. The full list is on the Olanzapine page.
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