Drug interactions
Buprenorphine transdermal + Sertraline
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine transdermal 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
Transdermal buprenorphine can prolong the QT interval, and sertraline may add a small effect. Serotonin syndrome has also been reported with opioids combined with serotonergic antidepressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine transdermal 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.
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. Avoid high-dose buprenorphine patches in patients with QT risk factors.
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 Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine transdermal with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine transdermal 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. Transdermal buprenorphine can prolong the QT interval, and sertraline may add a small effect. Serotonin syndrome has also been reported with opioids combined with serotonergic antidepressants.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine transdermal 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. Avoid high-dose buprenorphine patches in patients with QT risk factors.
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.
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