Drug interactions
Butorphanol + Gabapentin
Severity: Major
Butorphanol and Gabapentin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Combining gabapentin with an opioid raises the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression and death. Older patients and those with respiratory disease are particularly vulnerable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butorphanol and Gabapentin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Butorphanol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Gabapentin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses with gradual titration and monitor for sedation and slowed breathing. Avoid other sedatives where possible.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Butorphanol
- Butorphanol + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Butorphanol Major
- Alprazolam + Butorphanol Major
- Alvimopan + Butorphanol Major
- Amobarbital + Butorphanol Major
Other interactions of Gabapentin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butorphanol with Gabapentin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butorphanol and Gabapentin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Combining gabapentin with an opioid raises the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression and death. Older patients and those with respiratory disease are particularly vulnerable.
How serious is the interaction between Butorphanol and Gabapentin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses with gradual titration and monitor for sedation and slowed breathing. Avoid other sedatives where possible.
What other medicines interact with Butorphanol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Butorphanol with, for example, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Butorphanol page.
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