Drug interactions
Nabilone + Phenobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Nabilone and Phenobarbital: 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
Phenobarbital is a barbiturate with marked sedative effects, and nabilone adds further CNS depression. The combination can cause excessive drowsiness, impaired judgement and reduced coordination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nabilone and Phenobarbital 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
Additive CNS depression via GABA-A potentiation and cannabinoid receptor activity.
What to do
Monitor for oversedation and adjust the dose of either drug if needed. Counsel patients to avoid driving and alcohol.
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 Nabilone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nabilone with Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nabilone and Phenobarbital 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. Phenobarbital is a barbiturate with marked sedative effects, and nabilone adds further CNS depression. The combination can cause excessive drowsiness, impaired judgement and reduced coordination.
How serious is the interaction between Nabilone and Phenobarbital?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for oversedation and adjust the dose of either drug if needed. Counsel patients to avoid driving and alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Nabilone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nabilone with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Nabilone page.
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