Drug interactions
Methadone + Schisandra
Severity: Moderate
Methadone and Schisandra: moderate 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
Schisandra may inhibit CYP3A4 and could raise methadone levels, increasing the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. Clinical data are limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methadone and Schisandra can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Possible inhibition of CYP3A4 by schisandra lignans, reducing methadone clearance.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid starting schisandra supplements without review. If used, monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methadone with Schisandra?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Methadone and Schisandra can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Schisandra may inhibit CYP3A4 and could raise methadone levels, increasing the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. Clinical data are limited.
How serious is the interaction between Methadone and Schisandra?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid starting schisandra supplements without review. If used, monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.
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.
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