Drug Interactions between buprenorphine and Geodon

GENERALLY AVOID: Ziprasidone can cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval such as buprenorphine may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. In placebo-controlled trials in adults, oral ziprasidone increased the QTc interval by approximately 10 msec at the highest recommended daily dosage of 160 mg compared to placebo. In a study comparing the QT prolonging effect of several antipsychotic drugs at the maximum plasma concentration following administration alone in patient volunteers, the mean increase in QTc (QT interval corrected for heart rate) from baseline for ziprasidone ranged from approximately 9 to 14 msec greater than for four of the comparator drugs (haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone), but was approximately 14 msec less than the prolongation observed for thioridazine. In another study evaluating the QT prolonging effect of intramuscular ziprasidone versus intramuscular haloperidol (control) at the maximum plasma concentration following administration in patient volunteers, the mean increase in QTc from baseline for ziprasidone (20 mg and 30 mg doses given 4 hours apart) was 4.6 msec after the first injection and 12.8 msec after the second injection, which at 30 mg is 1.5 times the highest recommended dose. The mean increase in QTc from baseline for haloperidol (7.5 mg and 10 mg doses given 4 hours apart) was 6.0 msec following the first injection and 14.7 msec following the second injection. Buprenorphine has been associated with mild prolongation of the QT interval in some studies. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant use of opioids with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants including antipsychotics may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. The risk of orthostatic hypotension may also be increased when opioids are combined with antipsychotics.

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of ziprasidone and buprenorphine should generally be avoided unless alternative treatment options are inadequate. If coadministration is necessary, the dosage and duration of each drug should be limited to the minimum required to achieve desired clinical effect, with cautious titration and dosage adjustments when needed. Patients should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation, and advised to avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how these medications affect them.