Drug interactions
Levetiracetam + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Levetiracetam and Sodium oxybate: 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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant with a risk of respiratory depression and loss of consciousness. Levetiracetam adds to sedation, so the risk of profound CNS depression is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levetiracetam and Sodium oxybate 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.
Levetiracetam belongs to Central Nervous System; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system and respiratory depression (pharmacodynamic).
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or reduce the sodium oxybate dose and monitor for excessive 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 Levetiracetam
Other interactions of Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levetiracetam with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Levetiracetam and Sodium oxybate 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. Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant with a risk of respiratory depression and loss of consciousness. Levetiracetam adds to sedation, so the risk of profound CNS depression is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Levetiracetam and Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible, or reduce the sodium oxybate dose and monitor for excessive sedation and respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Levetiracetam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Levetiracetam with, for example, Oliceridine, Opium tincture, Sufentanil. The full list is on the Levetiracetam page.
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