Drug interactions
Pentobarbital + Trazodone
Severity: Major
Pentobarbital and Trazodone: 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
Pentobarbital causes marked CNS depression, and combining it with trazodone increases sedation and hypotension. Barbiturates also induce CYP3A4 and may lower trazodone levels with prolonged use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentobarbital and Trazodone 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression plus CYP3A4 induction by pentobarbital increasing trazodone metabolism.
What to do
Monitor sedation, respiration and blood pressure, and use the lowest effective doses. Reassess trazodone efficacy if barbiturates are used chronically.
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 Trazodone
- Arsenic trioxide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pentobarbital with Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pentobarbital and Trazodone 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. Pentobarbital causes marked CNS depression, and combining it with trazodone increases sedation and hypotension. Barbiturates also induce CYP3A4 and may lower trazodone levels with prolonged use.
How serious is the interaction between Pentobarbital and Trazodone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor sedation, respiration and blood pressure, and use the lowest effective doses. Reassess trazodone efficacy if barbiturates are used chronically.
What other medicines interact with Trazodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Trazodone with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Ibutilide, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Trazodone page.
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