Drug interactions
Nabilone + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Nabilone 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, and nabilone adds sedative and cognitive effects. Together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nabilone 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.
Nabilone belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via GABA-B/GHB receptor effects and cannabinoid receptor agonism.
What to do
Avoid unless other options are inadequate, using minimal doses and durations. Monitor closely for 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 Nabilone
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 Nabilone with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Nabilone 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, and nabilone adds sedative and cognitive effects. Together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
How serious is the interaction between Nabilone 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 unless other options are inadequate, using minimal doses and durations. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression.
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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