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Drug interactions

Ethosuximide + Nefazodone

Severity: Moderate

Ethosuximide and Nefazodone: 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

Nefazodone is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase ethosuximide levels. Nefazodone is also sedating, so drowsiness and dizziness may be additive.

What this interaction means in plain words

Ethosuximide and Nefazodone 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Nefazodone inhibits CYP3A4, reducing ethosuximide clearance, with additive sedation.

What to do

Monitor for sedation, ataxia and nausea, and check ethosuximide levels if symptoms arise. Reduce the ethosuximide dose as needed.

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 Ethosuximide with Nefazodone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethosuximide and Nefazodone 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. Nefazodone is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase ethosuximide levels. Nefazodone is also sedating, so drowsiness and dizziness may be additive.

How serious is the interaction between Ethosuximide and Nefazodone?

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, ataxia and nausea, and check ethosuximide levels if symptoms arise. Reduce the ethosuximide dose as needed.

What other medicines interact with Ethosuximide?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethosuximide with, for example, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Buprenorphine long-acting, Buprenorphine subdermal implant. The full list is on the Ethosuximide page.

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