Drug interactions
Morphine + Pregabalin
Severity: Major
Morphine and Pregabalin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Pregabalin combined with morphine produces additive sedation, cognitive impairment and respiratory depression. Serious breathing problems have been reported when gabapentinoids are used with opioids, particularly in older patients or those with respiratory disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Morphine and Pregabalin 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.
Morphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Pregabalin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive central nervous system and respiratory depression.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses of both drugs and titrate cautiously. Monitor for excessive sedation and respiratory depression, especially at initiation and after dose increases.
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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References
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 Pregabalin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Morphine with Pregabalin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Morphine and Pregabalin 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. Pregabalin combined with morphine produces additive sedation, cognitive impairment and respiratory depression. Serious breathing problems have been reported when gabapentinoids are used with opioids, particularly in older patients or those with respiratory disease.
How serious is the interaction between Morphine and Pregabalin?
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 of both drugs and titrate cautiously. Monitor for excessive sedation and respiratory depression, especially at initiation and after dose increases.
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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