Drug interactions
Pregabalin + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Pregabalin and Secobarbital: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 and secobarbital both depress the CNS, so combined use can cause marked drowsiness, dizziness, cognitive impairment and respiratory depression. Respiratory risk is higher in the elderly and in patients with compromised breathing.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pregabalin and Secobarbital 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS depression from barbiturate GABA-A potentiation and pregabalin's reduction of excitatory neurotransmission.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and monitor sedation and respiratory status, especially at initiation and after dose increases. Consider reducing the dose of one agent if sedation develops.
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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References
- Alzain 100 mg Capsules, Hard - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: other central nervous system (CNS) depressant medicinal products; "there are reports of respiratory failure, coma and deaths in patients taking pregabalin and opioids and/or other central nervous system (CNS) depressant medicin") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
Other interactions of Pregabalin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pregabalin with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pregabalin and Secobarbital 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 and secobarbital both depress the CNS, so combined use can cause marked drowsiness, dizziness, cognitive impairment and respiratory depression. Respiratory risk is higher in the elderly and in patients with compromised breathing.
How serious is the interaction between Pregabalin and Secobarbital?
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 and monitor sedation and respiratory status, especially at initiation and after dose increases. Consider reducing the dose of one agent if sedation develops.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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