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Can you take Felbamate with Hydroxyzine?

1 drug interaction and 29 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

hydrOXYzine felbamate

Applies to: hydroxyzine and felbamate

Using hydrOXYzine together with felbamate may increase side effects such as:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • confusion
  • difficulty concentrating

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

What to do: You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. 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:

hydrOXYzine Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: hydroxyzine

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of hydrOXYzine such as:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • difficulty concentrating

Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment.

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

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

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Moderate:

felbamate Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: felbamate

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of felbamate such as:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • difficulty concentrating

Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment.

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

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

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Disease interactions

27 potential interactions Applies to: 19 conditions, including Depression, Asthma, Heart Attack, COPD, and Hypotension.

Anemia

Major:

felbamate

Felbamate has a major potential interaction with Anemia.

The use of felbamate is contraindicated in patients with bone marrow suppression or a current or prior history of blood dyscrasias. A marked increase in the incidence of aplastic anemia has been associated with the use of felbamate, reportedly exceeding 100 times the incidence observed in the general population (2 to 5 per million persons per year). In the few cases that have been reported in felbamate patients, the onset of clinical manifestations of aplastic anemia ranged from 5 to 30 weeks. However, the injury to bone marrow stem cells that is believed to be ultimately responsible for the anemia may occur much earlier. Currently, it is not known whether the risk is related to dose, duration of exposure, and/or concomitant use of other antiepileptic or myelotoxic drugs. Expert hematologic consultation should be available for all patients treated with felbamate. Since aplastic anemia typically develops without premonitory clinical or laboratory signs, it should be borne in mind that routine blood testing may not be reliably used to prevent development of the syndrome. However, in some cases, it may allow the detection of hematologic changes before the condition is full-blown. Felbamate therapy should be withdrawn if evidence of bone marrow depression is observed. Patients who are discontinued from the drug may remain at risk for developing anemia for a variable and unknown period afterwards and should be monitored accordingly.

Asthma

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Major:

felbamate

Felbamate has a major potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

The use of felbamate is contraindicated in patients with bone marrow suppression or a current or prior history of blood dyscrasias. A marked increase in the incidence of aplastic anemia has been associated with the use of felbamate, reportedly exceeding 100 times the incidence observed in the general population (2 to 5 per million persons per year). In the few cases that have been reported in felbamate patients, the onset of clinical manifestations of aplastic anemia ranged from 5 to 30 weeks. However, the injury to bone marrow stem cells that is believed to be ultimately responsible for the anemia may occur much earlier. Currently, it is not known whether the risk is related to dose, duration of exposure, and/or concomitant use of other antiepileptic or myelotoxic drugs. Expert hematologic consultation should be available for all patients treated with felbamate. Since aplastic anemia typically develops without premonitory clinical or laboratory signs, it should be borne in mind that routine blood testing may not be reliably used to prevent development of the syndrome. However, in some cases, it may allow the detection of hematologic changes before the condition is full-blown. Felbamate therapy should be withdrawn if evidence of bone marrow depression is observed. Patients who are discontinued from the drug may remain at risk for developing anemia for a variable and unknown period afterwards and should be monitored accordingly.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

COPD

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with COPD.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Depression

Major:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a major potential interaction with Depression.

A variety of abnormal thinking and behavior changes have been reported to occur in association with the use of most anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. Some of these changes include decreased inhibition, aggressiveness, agitation, and hallucinations. These drugs can cause or exacerbate mental depression and cause suicidal behavior and ideation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Moderate:

felbamate

Felbamate 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.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.

Heart Attack

Major:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a major potential interaction with Heart Attack.

Hydroxyzine is contraindicated in patients with a QT prolonged interval. Cases of QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes have been reported during postmarketing studies. Most of the cases reported occurred in patients with other risk factors for QT prolongation, such as preexisting heart disease, electrolyte imbalances or arrhythmogenic drug use. Therefore, hydroxyzine should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation, congenital long QT syndrome, family history of long QT syndrome or other predisposing conditions, as well as myocardial infarction, uncompensated heart failure, and bradyarrhythmias.

Heart Disease

Major:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a major potential interaction with Heart Disease.

Hydroxyzine is contraindicated in patients with a QT prolonged interval. Cases of QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes have been reported during postmarketing studies. Most of the cases reported occurred in patients with other risk factors for QT prolongation, such as preexisting heart disease, electrolyte imbalances or arrhythmogenic drug use. Therefore, hydroxyzine should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation, congenital long QT syndrome, family history of long QT syndrome or other predisposing conditions, as well as myocardial infarction, uncompensated heart failure, and bradyarrhythmias.

History of Blood Dyscrasias

Major:

felbamate

Felbamate has a major potential interaction with History of Blood Dyscrasias.

The use of felbamate is contraindicated in patients with bone marrow suppression or a current or prior history of blood dyscrasias. A marked increase in the incidence of aplastic anemia has been associated with the use of felbamate, reportedly exceeding 100 times the incidence observed in the general population (2 to 5 per million persons per year). In the few cases that have been reported in felbamate patients, the onset of clinical manifestations of aplastic anemia ranged from 5 to 30 weeks. However, the injury to bone marrow stem cells that is believed to be ultimately responsible for the anemia may occur much earlier. Currently, it is not known whether the risk is related to dose, duration of exposure, and/or concomitant use of other antiepileptic or myelotoxic drugs. Expert hematologic consultation should be available for all patients treated with felbamate. Since aplastic anemia typically develops without premonitory clinical or laboratory signs, it should be borne in mind that routine blood testing may not be reliably used to prevent development of the syndrome. However, in some cases, it may allow the detection of hematologic changes before the condition is full-blown. Felbamate therapy should be withdrawn if evidence of bone marrow depression is observed. Patients who are discontinued from the drug may remain at risk for developing anemia for a variable and unknown period afterwards and should be monitored accordingly.

Hyperthyroidism

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

Hypotension

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

Liver Disease

Major:

felbamate

Felbamate has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

The use of felbamate is contraindicated in patients with a history of hepatic impairment. A marked increase in the incidence of hepatic failure, some resulting in fatality, has been associated with the use of felbamate relative to that expected in the general population (approximately 2000 cases per year). Currently, it is not known whether the risk is related to dose, duration of exposure, and/or concomitant use of other antiepileptic or hepatotoxic drugs. All patients treated with felbamate should have serum transaminase and bilirubin levels checked prior to initiating therapy and at 1- to 2-week intervals while treatment continues. Felbamate therapy should be withdrawn if abnormal liver function tests occur.

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

In general, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver. Their plasma clearance may be decreased and their half-life prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease (some are not recommended in severe liver impairment), and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly. Laboratory testing is recommended prior and during treatment.

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Some anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver, and excreted in the urine. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects, including central nervous system and respiratory depression, due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in such patients, with careful dose selection usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.

Long QT Syndrome

Major:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a major potential interaction with Long QT Syndrome.

Hydroxyzine is contraindicated in patients with a QT prolonged interval. Cases of QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes have been reported during postmarketing studies. Most of the cases reported occurred in patients with other risk factors for QT prolongation, such as preexisting heart disease, electrolyte imbalances or arrhythmogenic drug use. Therefore, hydroxyzine should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation, congenital long QT syndrome, family history of long QT syndrome or other predisposing conditions, as well as myocardial infarction, uncompensated heart failure, and bradyarrhythmias.

Psychosis

Moderate:

felbamate

Felbamate 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

Major:

felbamate

Felbamate has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Felbamate is partially eliminated by the kidney as unchanged drug (approximately 40% to 50% of absorbed dose). The plasma clearance of felbamate may be decreased and the half-life prolonged in patients with impaired renal function. Therapy with felbamate should be administered cautiously in patients with renal impairment.

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Some anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver, and excreted in the urine. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects, including central nervous system and respiratory depression, due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in such patients, with careful dose selection usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.

Urinary Retention

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.

Moderate:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Ventricular Arrhythmia

Major:

hydroxyzine

hydrOXYzine has a major potential interaction with Ventricular Arrhythmia.

Hydroxyzine is contraindicated in patients with a QT prolonged interval. Cases of QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes have been reported during postmarketing studies. Most of the cases reported occurred in patients with other risk factors for QT prolongation, such as preexisting heart disease, electrolyte imbalances or arrhythmogenic drug use. Therefore, hydroxyzine should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation, congenital long QT syndrome, family history of long QT syndrome or other predisposing conditions, as well as myocardial infarction, uncompensated heart failure, and bradyarrhythmias.

More resources

felbamate

A total of 554 drugs are known to interact with felbamate.

hydroxyzine

A total of 602 drugs are known to interact with hydroxyzine.

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.