Drug interactions
Gabapentin enacarbil + Methadone
Severity: Major
Gabapentin enacarbil and Methadone: 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
Combined use of an opioid and a gabapentinoid prodrug increases sedation and the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression, particularly in elderly patients or those with lung disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gabapentin enacarbil and Methadone 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 enacarbil belongs to Central Nervous System; Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression; gabapentin enacarbil is converted to gabapentin.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation. Reduce doses in older adults and patients with renal or respiratory impairment.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Other interactions of Gabapentin enacarbil
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gabapentin enacarbil with Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gabapentin enacarbil and Methadone 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. Combined use of an opioid and a gabapentinoid prodrug increases sedation and the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression, particularly in elderly patients or those with lung disease.
How serious is the interaction between Gabapentin enacarbil and Methadone?
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 for respiratory depression and sedation. Reduce doses in older adults and patients with renal or respiratory impairment.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
