Drug interactions
Olanzapine + Pentobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Olanzapine and Pentobarbital: 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
Pentobarbital can induce the metabolism of olanzapine and lower its levels, possibly reducing antipsychotic effect. Both drugs are also sedating, so combined use can cause excessive CNS depression and hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Olanzapine and Pentobarbital 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
Barbiturate induction of hepatic enzymes including CYP1A2 and UGT, plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Monitor sedation and respiratory status, and watch for loss of psychiatric control with repeated barbiturate use. Consider olanzapine dose adjustment or levels if therapy is prolonged.
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 Olanzapine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Olanzapine with Pentobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Olanzapine and Pentobarbital 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. Pentobarbital can induce the metabolism of olanzapine and lower its levels, possibly reducing antipsychotic effect. Both drugs are also sedating, so combined use can cause excessive CNS depression and hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Olanzapine and Pentobarbital?
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 sedation and respiratory status, and watch for loss of psychiatric control with repeated barbiturate use. Consider olanzapine dose adjustment or levels if therapy is prolonged.
What other medicines interact with Olanzapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Olanzapine with, for example, Amisulpride, Amoxapine, Apomorphine. The full list is on the Olanzapine page.
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