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Drug interactions

Gabapentin enacarbil + Secobarbital

Severity: Major

Gabapentin enacarbil and Secobarbital: 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

Both drugs depress the central nervous system, so combining them can cause additive sedation, impaired psychomotor performance and respiratory depression. The risk is greatest in older patients, those with lung disease, and at higher doses.

What this interaction means in plain words

Gabapentin enacarbil and Secobarbital 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; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive pharmacodynamic CNS depression from barbiturate GABA-A potentiation and gabapentinoid activity.

What to do

Use the lowest effective doses and monitor for excessive sedation and respiratory depression, particularly at initiation and dose changes. Counsel patients to avoid driving and alcohol.

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?

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 Gabapentin enacarbil with Secobarbital?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gabapentin enacarbil and Secobarbital 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. Both drugs depress the central nervous system, so combining them can cause additive sedation, impaired psychomotor performance and respiratory depression. The risk is greatest in older patients, those with lung disease, and at higher doses.

How serious is the interaction between Gabapentin enacarbil and Secobarbital?

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 excessive sedation and respiratory depression, particularly at initiation and dose changes. Counsel patients to avoid driving and alcohol.

What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.

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