Drug interactions
Oxycodone + Pregabalin
Severity: Major
Oxycodone and Pregabalin: 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
Pregabalin adds to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of oxycodone. The combination can cause serious breathing suppression, especially in older adults, those with lung disease or renal impairment, or at higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Oxycodone 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.
Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Pregabalin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS and respiratory depression from opioid and gabapentinoid activity.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Consider dose reduction of both drugs at initiation.
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 Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Other interactions of Pregabalin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Oxycodone with Pregabalin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Oxycodone 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 adds to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of oxycodone. The combination can cause serious breathing suppression, especially in older adults, those with lung disease or renal impairment, or at higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Oxycodone 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 for the shortest time and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Consider dose reduction of both drugs at initiation.
What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.
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