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Can you take Brivaracetam with Sertraline?

1 drug interaction and 28 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

sertraline brivaracetam

Applies to: sertraline and brivaracetam

Treatment with sertraline may occasionally cause blood sodium levels to get too low, a condition known as hyponatremia, and using it with some anticonvulsants can increase that risk.

In addition, sertraline can cause seizures in susceptible patients, which may reduce the effectiveness of medications that are used to control seizures such as brivaracetam.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications.

You should seek medical attention if you experience:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • headache
  • lethargy
  • irritability
  • difficulty concentrating
  • memory impairment
  • confusion
  • muscle spasm
  • weakness or unsteadiness

These may be symptoms of hyponatremia.

More severe cases may lead to:

  • hallucination
  • fainting
  • seizure
  • coma
  • even death

Also let your doctor know if you develop seizures or experience an increase in seizures during treatment with sertraline.

Additionally, because these medications may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and impairment in judgment, reaction speed and motor coordination, you should avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how they affect you.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

sertraline Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: sertraline

Using sertraline together with alcohol may increase side effects such as:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • confusion
  • difficulty concentrating

Some people may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.

You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with sertraline.

In addition, taking sertraline with grapefruit or grapefruit juice is not recommended, as it has been reported that grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of the medication, which may lead to more side effects.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed.

Do not use more than the recommended dose of sertraline, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

27 potential interactions Applies to: 21 conditions, including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Asthma, Seizures, and Psychosis.

Angioedema

Moderate:

brivaracetam

Brivaracetam has a moderate potential interaction with Angioedema.

Bronchospasm and angioedema have been reported in patients taking brivaracetam and a hypersensitivity reaction to this agent could predispose patients at risk. Caution is recommended when using brivaracetam in patients predisposed to bronchospasm and angioedema.

Anorexia/Feeding Problems

Minor:

sertraline

Sertraline has a minor potential interaction with Anorexia/Feeding Problems.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may occasionally cause significant weight loss, which may be undesirable in patients suffering from anorexia, malnutrition or excessive weight loss. Anorexia may occur in approximately 5% to 10% of patients. Weight change should be monitored during therapy if an SSRI is used in these patients.

Asthma

Moderate:

brivaracetam

Brivaracetam has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

Bronchospasm and angioedema have been reported in patients taking brivaracetam and a hypersensitivity reaction to this agent could predispose patients at risk. Caution is recommended when using brivaracetam in patients predisposed to bronchospasm and angioedema.

Bipolar Disorder

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like other antidepressants, may occasionally cause or activate mania or hypomania. The reported incidence ranged from 0.1% to 2% in premarketing testing of several SSRIs. Patients with bipolar disorder are generally more likely to experience mania from antidepressants. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of mania or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating treatment, it is recommended to adequately screen patients for bipolar disorder, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Bleeding Disorder

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with Bleeding Disorder.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been associated with altered platelet function. Petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, increased bleeding times, epistaxis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage have been reported. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis.

Coagulation Defects and Disorders

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with Coagulation Defects and Disorders.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been associated with altered platelet function. Petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, increased bleeding times, epistaxis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage have been reported. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis.

Dehydration

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with Dehydration.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has rarely been associated with hyponatremia, sometimes secondary to development of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). These events have generally been reversible following discontinuation of SSRI therapy and/or medical intervention. SSRI-related hyponatremia may be more common in elderly female patients and those who are volume-depleted or receiving concomitant diuretic therapy. Caution may be warranted when SSRI therapy is administered in these patients and patients with preexisting hyponatremia or SIADH. Serum electrolytes, especially sodium as well as BUN and plasma creatinine, should be monitored regularly.

Depression

Major:

sertraline

Sertraline has a major potential interaction with Depression.

Adult and pediatric patients with depression and other psychiatric disorders may experience worsening of their symptoms and may have the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for worsening of their symptoms, suicidality or changes in their behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment, and at times of dose changes. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the treating physician. Discontinuing the medication should be considered if symptoms are persistently worse, or abrupt in onset. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Moderate:

brivaracetam

Brivaracetam has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies involving the use of 11 different AEDs showed that patients receiving AEDs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients receiving placebo. AEDs should be administered cautiously in patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders; phentermine-topiramate should be avoided in patients with history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior should be carefully assessed against the risk of untreated illness, bearing in mind that epilepsy and many other conditions for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If patients have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behavior, a dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered.

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with Depression.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like other antidepressants, may occasionally cause or activate mania or hypomania. The reported incidence ranged from 0.1% to 2% in premarketing testing of several SSRIs. Patients with bipolar disorder are generally more likely to experience mania from antidepressants. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of mania or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating treatment, it is recommended to adequately screen patients for bipolar disorder, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Failure to Thrive

Minor:

sertraline

Sertraline has a minor potential interaction with Failure to Thrive.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may occasionally cause significant weight loss, which may be undesirable in patients suffering from anorexia, malnutrition or excessive weight loss. Anorexia may occur in approximately 5% to 10% of patients. Weight change should be monitored during therapy if an SSRI is used in these patients.

Glaucoma, Narrow Angle

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma, Narrow Angle.

Some SSRI antidepressants such as fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline may have an effect on pupil size causing dilation. This effect can potentially narrow the eye angle resulting in increased intraocular pressure and angle closure glaucoma, especially in predisposed patients. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with angle-closure glaucoma or history of glaucoma.

Hyponatremia

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with Hyponatremia.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has rarely been associated with hyponatremia, sometimes secondary to development of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). These events have generally been reversible following discontinuation of SSRI therapy and/or medical intervention. SSRI-related hyponatremia may be more common in elderly female patients and those who are volume-depleted or receiving concomitant diuretic therapy. Caution may be warranted when SSRI therapy is administered in these patients and patients with preexisting hyponatremia or SIADH. Serum electrolytes, especially sodium as well as BUN and plasma creatinine, should be monitored regularly.

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with Hyponatremia.

Treatment with SSRI antidepressants can cause hyponatremia. Caution should be used when treating patients with hyponatremia or at greater risk of hyponatremia such as the elderly, patients taking diuretics or who are volume depleted.

Liver Disease

Moderate:

brivaracetam

Brivaracetam has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Brivaracetam is primarily metabolized by hydrolysis in the liver. A pharmacokinetic study in adult subjects with hepatic cirrhosis, Child-Pugh grades A, B, and C, showed 50%, 57%, and 59% increases in brivaracetam exposure, respectively, compared to matched healthy controls. Because of increases in brivaracetam exposure, dosage adjustment is recommended for all stages of hepatic impairment as per manufacturer recommendation. Care and close monitoring is recommended when using this agent in patients with liver disease.

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are primarily metabolized by the liver. The plasma concentrations of SSRIs and their metabolites may be increased and the half-lives prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary in accordance with the individual product package labeling.

Malnourishment

Minor:

sertraline

Sertraline has a minor potential interaction with Malnourishment.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may occasionally cause significant weight loss, which may be undesirable in patients suffering from anorexia, malnutrition or excessive weight loss. Anorexia may occur in approximately 5% to 10% of patients. Weight change should be monitored during therapy if an SSRI is used in these patients.

Mania

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with Mania.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like other antidepressants, may occasionally cause or activate mania or hypomania. The reported incidence ranged from 0.1% to 2% in premarketing testing of several SSRIs. Patients with bipolar disorder are generally more likely to experience mania from antidepressants. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of mania or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating treatment, it is recommended to adequately screen patients for bipolar disorder, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Psychosis

Major:

sertraline

Sertraline has a major potential interaction with Psychosis.

Adult and pediatric patients with depression and other psychiatric disorders may experience worsening of their symptoms and may have the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for worsening of their symptoms, suicidality or changes in their behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment, and at times of dose changes. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the treating physician. Discontinuing the medication should be considered if symptoms are persistently worse, or abrupt in onset. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Moderate:

brivaracetam

Brivaracetam has a moderate potential interaction with Psychosis.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Pooled analyses of 199 placebo-controlled clinical studies involving the use of 11 different AEDs showed that patients receiving AEDs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior compared to patients receiving placebo. AEDs should be administered cautiously in patients with depression or other psychiatric disorders; phentermine-topiramate should be avoided in patients with history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. The risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior should be carefully assessed against the risk of untreated illness, bearing in mind that epilepsy and many other conditions for which AEDs are prescribed are themselves associated with morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients, caregivers, and families should be alert to the emergence or worsening of signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior. If patients have symptoms of suicidal ideation or behavior, a dosage reduction or treatment discontinuation should be considered.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

brivaracetam

Brivaracetam has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

No dose adjustments are needed for patients with impaired renal function. The use of brivaracetam is not recommended in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis as there are no data in this patient population.

Minor:

sertraline

Sertraline has a minor potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Sertraline is primarily metabolized by the liver. Although renal excretion of unchanged drug appears to be a minor route of elimination, some metabolites are excreted in the urine to some extent. The clinical significance of possible metabolite accumulation is unknown. Caution may be warranted when sertraline therapy is administered in patients with severe renal dysfunction.

Seizures

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may trigger seizures in approximately 0.2% of patients, and some of them are not recommended in patients with unstable epilepsy. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with seizure disorders.

SIADH

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with SIADH.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has rarely been associated with hyponatremia, sometimes secondary to development of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). These events have generally been reversible following discontinuation of SSRI therapy and/or medical intervention. SSRI-related hyponatremia may be more common in elderly female patients and those who are volume-depleted or receiving concomitant diuretic therapy. Caution may be warranted when SSRI therapy is administered in these patients and patients with preexisting hyponatremia or SIADH. Serum electrolytes, especially sodium as well as BUN and plasma creatinine, should be monitored regularly.

Thrombocytopathy

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with Thrombocytopathy.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been associated with altered platelet function. Petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, increased bleeding times, epistaxis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage have been reported. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis.

Thrombocytopenia

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with Thrombocytopenia.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been associated with altered platelet function. Petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, increased bleeding times, epistaxis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage have been reported. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis.

Vitamin K Deficiency

Moderate:

sertraline

Sertraline has a moderate potential interaction with Vitamin K Deficiency.

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been associated with altered platelet function. Petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, increased bleeding times, epistaxis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage have been reported. Therapy with SSRIs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe active bleeding or a hemorrhagic diathesis.

More resources

brivaracetam

A total of 305 drugs are known to interact with brivaracetam.

sertraline

A total of 699 drugs are known to interact with sertraline.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.