Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Nefazodone
Severity: Contraindicated
Carbamazepine and Nefazodone: contraindicated 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
Nefazodone inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise carbamazepine to toxic concentrations, while carbamazepine lowers nefazodone and its active metabolites, possibly causing antidepressant failure. Both effects make the pair unpredictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Nefazodone are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Nefazodone inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of carbamazepine and carbamazepine induces CYP3A4 metabolism of nefazodone.
What to do
Do not combine; select another antidepressant such as an SSRI with fewer enzyme effects. If carbamazepine is continued, monitor levels.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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References
Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Nefazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Carbamazepine and Nefazodone are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Nefazodone inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise carbamazepine to toxic concentrations, while carbamazepine lowers nefazodone and its active metabolites, possibly causing antidepressant failure. Both effects make the pair unpredictable.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Nefazodone?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not combine; select another antidepressant such as an SSRI with fewer enzyme effects. If carbamazepine is continued, monitor levels.
What other medicines interact with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbamazepine with, for example, Artemether / lumefantrine, Cabotegravir, Delamanid. The full list is on the Carbamazepine page.
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