Drug interactions
Gabapentin + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Gabapentin and Sufentanil: major 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
Gabapentin and the potent opioid sufentanil both depress the central nervous system. Combined use raises the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression and death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gabapentin and Sufentanil 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.
Gabapentin belongs to Central Nervous System; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor respiratory rate and sedation level closely. Consider reducing the opioid dose when gabapentin is given perioperatively.
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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Other interactions of Gabapentin
Other interactions of Sufentanil
- Alprazolam + Sufentanil Major
- Amitriptyline + Sufentanil Major
- Amobarbital + Sufentanil Major
- Aripiprazole + Sufentanil Major
- Asenapine + Sufentanil Major
- Baclofen + Sufentanil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gabapentin with Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gabapentin and Sufentanil 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. Gabapentin and the potent opioid sufentanil both depress the central nervous system. Combined use raises the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression and death.
How serious is the interaction between Gabapentin and Sufentanil?
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 and monitor respiratory rate and sedation level closely. Consider reducing the opioid dose when gabapentin is given perioperatively.
What other medicines interact with Gabapentin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Gabapentin with, for example, Alprazolam, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Gabapentin page.
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