Buprenorphine and naloxone and Metaxalone interaction
Buprenorphine and naloxone and Metaxalone: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Buprenorphine and naloxone label · effective 2026-06-16
Examples: phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid Muscle Relaxants Clinical Impact: Buprenorphine may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression.
Intervention: Monitor patients receiving muscle relaxants and buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets for signs of respiratory depression that may be greater than otherwise expected and decrease the dosage of buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary.
Due to the risk of respiratory depression with concomitant use of skeletal muscle relaxants and opioids, strongly consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent, as is recommended for all patients on buprenorphine and naloxone treatment for opioid use disorder [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.3)…
Examples: Cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone Diuretics Clinical Impact: Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone.
Warn patients of the potential danger of self-administration of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants while under treatment with buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Drug Interactions (7) ] .
From the Metaxalone label · effective 2026-02-03
If concomitant use with another CNS depressant is warranted, closely monitor for signs of respiratory depression and sedation, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases.
If concomitant use of metaxalone and another CNS depressant is warranted, closely monitor for signs of respiratory depression and sedation, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases.
Depressants If concomitant use of Metaxalone Tablets, 640 mg and another CNS depressant is warranted, closely monitor for signs of respiratory depression and sedation, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage modification.
Due to the additive pharmacologic effect, concomitant use of Metaxalone Tablets, 640 mg with other CNS depressants may increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression : Metaxalone Tablets, 640 mg may impair mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle, and may enhance the effects of other CNS depressants including alcohol.
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Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.