Alprazolam and Gabapentin interaction

• Effects on Driving and Operating Machinery: Patients receiving • alprazolam XR should be cautioned against operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle, as well as avoiding concomitant use of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressant drugs.

For the same reason, patients should be cautioned about the concomitant use of alcohol and other CNS depressant drugs during treatment with alprazolam XR [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] .

• Use with Other CNS Depressants: Produces additive CNS depressant effects.

Examples Psychotropic medications, anticonvulsants, antihistaminics, ethanol, and other drugs which themselves produce CNS depression.

• Respiratory Depression: May occur with NEURONTIN when used with concomitant central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including opioids, or in the setting of underlying respiratory impairment.

Respiratory Depression There is evidence from case reports, human studies, and animal studies associating gabapentin with serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression when coadministered with CNS depressants, including opioids, or in the setting of underlying respiratory impairment.

The management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and reduction or withdrawal of CNS depressants (including NEURONTIN).

When the decision is made to co-prescribe NEURONTIN with another CNS depressant, particularly an opioid, or to prescribe NEURONTIN to patients with underlying respiratory impairment, monitor patients for symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation, and consider initiating NEURONTIN at a low dose.

Patients should be carefully observed for signs of central nervous system (CNS) depression, such as somnolence and sedation, when NEURONTIN is used with other drugs with sedative properties because of potential synergy.