Drug interactions
Butalbital + Olanzapine
Severity: Moderate
Butalbital 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
Butalbital is a barbiturate that may induce olanzapine metabolism and reduce its concentrations, although the effect with intermittent use is likely modest. Both drugs are sedating, so CNS depression is additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butalbital 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
Barbiturate-mediated enzyme induction increases olanzapine clearance, plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Monitor psychiatric response with frequent or prolonged butalbital use and adjust olanzapine if needed. Counsel on drowsiness and avoiding driving.
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 Butalbital with Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butalbital 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. Butalbital is a barbiturate that may induce olanzapine metabolism and reduce its concentrations, although the effect with intermittent use is likely modest. Both drugs are sedating, so CNS depression is additive.
How serious is the interaction between Butalbital 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: Monitor psychiatric response with frequent or prolonged butalbital use and adjust olanzapine if needed. Counsel on drowsiness and avoiding driving.
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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