Drug interactions
Gabapentin enacarbil + Morphine
Severity: Major
Gabapentin enacarbil and Morphine: 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 enacarbil is converted to gabapentin, and gabapentinoids combined with opioids increase the risk of profound sedation and respiratory depression. Gabapentinoids can also increase morphine exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gabapentin enacarbil and Morphine 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; Morphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression; gabapentin may also increase morphine concentrations.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and titrate slowly, especially in elderly patients and those with lung disease or renal impairment. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.
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 Morphine
- Alvimopan + Morphine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Morphine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Morphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Morphine Major
Other interactions of Gabapentin enacarbil
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gabapentin enacarbil with Morphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gabapentin enacarbil and Morphine 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 is converted to gabapentin, and gabapentinoids combined with opioids increase the risk of profound sedation and respiratory depression. Gabapentinoids can also increase morphine exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Gabapentin enacarbil and Morphine?
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 titrate slowly, especially in elderly patients and those with lung disease or renal impairment. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Morphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Morphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Morphine page.
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