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Drug interactions

Cenobamate + Esketamine

Severity: Moderate

Cenobamate and Esketamine: 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

Cenobamate commonly causes somnolence, dizziness and fatigue, which may add to esketamine sedation and dissociation. Impaired alertness may be more pronounced.

What this interaction means in plain words

Cenobamate and Esketamine 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.

Cenobamate belongs to Central Nervous System; Esketamine belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive CNS depressant effects.

What to do

Monitor for sedation and impaired coordination during and after esketamine administration. Counsel patients not to drive until the following day after a restful sleep.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Cenobamate with Esketamine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cenobamate and Esketamine 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. Cenobamate commonly causes somnolence, dizziness and fatigue, which may add to esketamine sedation and dissociation. Impaired alertness may be more pronounced.

How serious is the interaction between Cenobamate and Esketamine?

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 sedation and impaired coordination during and after esketamine administration. Counsel patients not to drive until the following day after a restful sleep.

What other medicines interact with Esketamine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Esketamine with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Esketamine page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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