Does Carbamazepine Interact with Methadone Hydrochloride?
CDI records a major classification for Carbamazepine and Methadone Hydrochloride. The stored summary is: CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 inducer that decreases methadone plasma concentration, reducing efficacy and causing withdrawal symptoms, with risk of serious respiratory depression and death upon discontinuation. The mechanism involves induction of cyp3a4 and cyp2c19-mediated methadone n-demethylation. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This record was extracted from drug labeling through openFDA. NIH/NLM RxNorm is used for drug identities. The summary and severity classification are CDI's processed information, not a verbatim source quotation. Product, route, and patient circumstances matter.
- Severity
- Major
- Carbamazepine Class
- Mood Stabilizer
- Management
- Close medical supervision required
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
Recorded Mechanism
Induction of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19-mediated methadone N-demethylation
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Carbamazepine and your doctor is considering prescribing Methadone Hydrochloride (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider