The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 37:1–11, 2011Copyright Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. ISSN: 0095-2990 print / 1097-9891 onlineDOI: 10.3109/00952990.2010.540279
Pharmacokinetic drug interactions and adverse consequences between psychotropic medications and pharmacotherapy for the treatment of opioid dependence
Ali S. Saber-Tehrani, M.D., Robert Douglas Bruce, M.D., M.A., M.Sc. and Frederick L. Altice,M.D, M.A. Yale University AIDS Program, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine,Yale University, New Haven, CT, USAclinical consequences. To optimize care, clinicians Background: Psychiatric comorbidities among must be alerted to these interactions. opioid-dependent patients are common. Many medications used to treat both conditions are Keywords: methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, psychoactive metabolized through complimentary cytochrome P450 isoenzymes. When medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence is concurrently used INTRODUCTION with psychotropic medications, problematic pharmacokinetic drug interactions may occur.
Opioid dependence remains a major global health issue
Methods: We reviewed relevant English language
that is associated with significant negative medical and
articles identified through the MedLine, Scopus, and
social consequences. Methadone, buprenorphine, and nal-
Embase databases from 1950 to December 2009 using
trexone are evidence-based pharmacological treatments
the specific generic names of medications and
for opioid dependence and have consistently been demon-
keywords such as pharmacokinetics and drug
strated to be safe and effective. Although pharmacoki-
interactions with buprenorphine, methadone, and
netic interactions between pharmacological therapies
naltrexone. Selected references from these articles
for opioid dependence and HIV therapies have been
were reviewed. Additionally, a review was conducted
reviewed, there remains a paucity of information in the
of abstracts and conference proceedings from national
interactions between these therapies and the treatment
and international meetings from 1990 to 2009. A total
of a more prevalent condition, mental illness (1,2). The
of 60 studies were identified and reviewed. Results:
prevalence of comorbid psychiatric illnesses is many
Clinical case series and carefully controlled
times greater among patients with opioid dependence
pharmacokinetic interaction studies have been
than among the general population, thus requiring con-
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conducted between methadone, buprenorphine, or
comitant treatment for both conditions (co-occurring dis-
naltrexone and some psychoactive medications.
orders) to achieve optimal outcomes. Despite this urgent
Important pharmacokinetic drug interactions have
clinical need, continued concerns regarding the misuse of
been demonstrated within each class of medications
methadone or buprenorphine when combined with other
affecting either methadone and buprenorphine or
psychotropic medications persist (1). psychoactive drugs. Few studies, however, have been
Methadone-maintained patients are often concomi-
conducted with naltrexone. Conclusions and Scientific
tantly prescribed psychotropic medications because of
Significance: Several interactions between methadone,
the high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity observed
buprenorphine, or naltrexone and psychoactive
among individuals with opioid dependence (3–5). medications are described and may have important
Furthermore, some psychotropic medications have the
Address correspondence to: Frederick L. Altice, Yale AIDS Program, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, YaleSchool of Medicine, Yale University, 135 College Street, Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. Tel: +203 737 2883. Fax: +203 7374051. E-mail: frederick.altice@yale.edu
potential for abuse and there are reports in the literature
Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone
that some methadone-maintained patients may abuse or
Metabolism
be prescribed by a clinician a psychoactive medication
Detailed metabolism of each of these medications has
such as benzodiazepines (6), selective serotonin reuptake
been reported previously (2,20). Briefly, methadone
inhibitors (SSRIs) (7–9), antipsychotics (10), tricyclic
antidepressants (11), and others that have been associated
cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, including CYP 2B6, 3A4,
with altered metabolism or synergistic toxicities (e.g.,
2C19, 2D6, and 2C8 (21–24). Methadone is a racemic
prolongation of the QT interval) with medication-assisted
mixture of R and S enantiomers, of which (R)-methadone
is the most active compound (25). Metabolism at CYP
Case series, for example, from methadone mainte-
2B6 and CYP 2C19 is stereo-selective, and this may
nance programs suggest that approximately one-third
explain why the plasma concentration ratio of R/S-
of patients use benzodiazepines in any given month
methadone is variable (22,26). Methadone is metabolized
(12–14). Although these medications are sometimes pre-
to an inactive metabolite – a risk for opioid withdrawal
scribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders in patients,
when given with inducing medications. The two most
they are frequently taken in excess of prescribed doses
important dose-dependent adverse effects of methadone
or purchased for self-consumption (6,15). Although the
are respiratory depression and cardiac rhythm disorders
etiology of this use is diverse, potential explanations
related to QT interval prolongation (27) with, in some
include the high level of underlying anxiety disorders
cases, sudden death through polymorphic ventricular
such as post-traumatic stress disorder or self-management
tachycardias such as torsade de pointes (28).
of concomitant stimulant use (15). More concerning is
Buprenorphine is N-dealkylated to norbuprenorphine
that benzodiazepines have been identified in 50–80% of
primarily by CYP 3A4 and CYP 2C8 (29–31). Both
heroin-related deaths (16), in 63.7% of methadone-related
buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine are glucuronidated
deaths (17), and in up to 80% of buprenorphine-related
by uracil diphosphate–glucuronosyl transferases (UGTs).
The role and importance of UGT has been described
Appropriate clinical use of these medications requires
previously (32–39). Although there were limitations to
an understanding of the principles of both pharmacokinet-
some of these reports (34), such as not being con-
ics and pharmacodynamics. Pharmacokinetics, described
ducted under predefined conditions that compare one iso-
as what the body does to the drug, includes pro-
form to another, other studies conducted under uniform
cesses such as absorption, distribution, localization in
conditions provide further insight into UGT’s pharma-
tissues, biotransformation, and excretion, whereas phar-
cological mechanisms with buprenorphine (38,39). For
macodynamics, or what the drug does to the body,
example, UGT 1A8 does not appear to be involved
refers to the physiological effects of a drug and the
in the glucuronidation of either buprenorphine or nor-
body’s compensatory homeostatic adjustments to the
buprenorphine (38,39). Buprenorphine glucuronidation
presence of the drug (19). Given the potential for
is, however, principally glucuronidated by UGT 1A3
the serious adverse events, it is important to better
with less involvement by 2B6 and 1A1 and much less
understand the relative safety of methadone, buprenor-
involvement by 2B17. Norbuprenorphine glucuronida-
phine, and naltrexone when taken in combination with
tion is also principally glucuronidated by UGT 1A3
other psychoactive drugs. We therefore review the
with less involvement from 1A1 and much less from
clinical and pharmacokinetic data between the treat-
2B17 and 2B7 (38,39). The relative lack of metabolism
ments for opioid dependence (methadone, buprenorphine,
of norbuprenorphine by UGT 2B7 is a major differ-
and naltrexone) and a list of broadly prescribed psy-
ence between parent compound and oxidative metabo-
chotropic medications that may be commonly coadmin-
lite. Two in vitro studies suggest that buprenorphine
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and its major active metabolite norbuprenorphine areinhibitors of CYP 2D6 and CYP 3A4; however, becauseof relatively high dissociation constant (Ki) for inhibi-tion, they are not predicted to cause clinically importantdrug interactions with other drugs metabolized by major
hepatic P450 isoenzymes at therapeutic concentrations
We reviewed relevant English language articles identi-
fied through the MedLine, Scopus, and Embase databases
Naltrexone, available in both oral and injectable
from 1950 to December 2009 using specific medica-
formulations, is highly bioavailable orally (42) and
tion names and keywords such as pharmacokinetic or
is not metabolized through cytochrome P450 isoen-
drug interactions and buprenorphine, methadone, and nal-
zymes. Instead, it is predominantly reduced to 6-
trexone. Selected references from these articles were
β-naltrexol hepatically by dihydrodiol dehydrogenase
reviewed. Additionally, abstracts and conference pro-
(43,44). Conjugated naltrexone and conjugated 6-β-
ceedings from national and international meetings from
naltrexol are then excreted in the urine (42). There are
1991 to 2009 were reviewed using conference proceed-
reports of liver toxicity caused by naltrexone (45,46).
ings citation index provided by Web of Science. A total
Clinicians should keep this fact in mind when they pre-
of 60 studies were identified and reviewed.
scribe naltrexone with other medications associated with
potential liver toxicity. With the exception of diazepam,
Benzodiazepine Interactions with Buprenorphine
there is little, if any, expected pharmacokinetic interac-
As buprenorphine (63) and most benzodiazepines (50–
tions with naltrexone. There are, however, case reports of
54) undergo extensive metabolism by cytochrome P450
interactions between thioridazine and naltrexone (47).
(CYP 3A4), metabolic interactions are plausible. Changand Moody (64), however, demonstrated that benzo-diazepines are not potent inhibitors of buprenorphine
Benzodiazepine Metabolism
metabolism using human liver microsome. Of note, evi-
Benzodiazepines are conjugated hepatically by multiple
dence for the metabolically activated inhibition of nor-
UGT enzymes to form pharmacologically inactive, water-
buprenorphine has been shown in the case of midazolam
soluble glucuronide metabolites that are then excreted
in the urine. The 3-hydroxy benzodiazepines, oxazepam,
In rats, high doses of midazolam or buprenorphine
lorazepam, and temazepam, by virtue of their 3-hydroxy
alone have limited effects on respiratory depression, mea-
group, can be conjugated directly. The 2-keto benzo-
sured using arterial blood gases, whereas midazolam
diazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, and
and buprenorphine appear to be additive or synergis-
diazepam, must first be oxidatively metabolized into 3-
tic in depressing their respiration and inducing hypoxia
hydroxy derivatives before they can be conjugated. The
(66). The concomitant injection of buprenorphine with
7-nitro benzodiazepines, clonazepam and nitrazepam, are
midazolam has recently been reported in Southeast Asia
metabolized by reduction of the 7-nitro substituents to
(67,68). The studied subjects have suggested that inject-
form inactive amines that are then acetylated before
ing midazolam “boosted” and prolonged the effects of
buprenorphine (67). The clinical importance of CYP 3A4
Other studies have indicated that CYP 2C19 is
inhibition is not established in detail and further studies
involved in the metabolism of diazepam, and CYP 3A4
are needed to assess the in vivo inhibition potential.
is involved in the metabolism of alprazolam, clonazepam,
Although flunitrazepam is rarely detected in clini-
midazolam, and triazolam (48–54). Flunitrazepam is also
cal settings due to its rapid degradation in vitro, it is
metabolized by CYP 3A4 in humans (48).
suspected to be involved in a large number of buprenor-phine intoxications and adverse consequences (18,69,70). Benzodiazepine Interactions
Studies performed on human microsome preparations
The epidemiology of benzodiazepine use among opioid-
have predicted the absence of in vivo metabolic inter-
dependent persons and the interactions between benzodi-
actions between buprenorphine and flunitrazepam when
azepines with methadone or buprenorphine have recently
dosed at therapeutic concentrations (40,71,72).
been reviewed by Lintzeris et al. (55).We therefore limit
In humans, both CYP 3A4 and 2C19 are involved in
our review on this topic and only provide explanatory
the metabolic pathways of flunitrazepam to desmethyl
mechanisms essential for understanding these interac-
flunitrazepam and to the third flunitrazepam metabolite,
3-OH flunitrazepam (73). This mechanism, however, isnot entirely elucidated in rats. Megarbane et al. (74)demonstrated that rat pretreatment with flunitrazepam
Benzodiazepine Interactions with Methadone
alters neither plasma nor striatal buprenorphine distribu-
Safety concerns about benzodiazepines and methadone
tion. Pretreatment with buprenorphine has had no effects
coadministration (55–57), including potentially fatal cen-
on flunitrazepam disposition, while inducing a threefold
tral nervous system (CNS) depression, are raised by
increase in its main active metabolite, desmethyl flu-
practitioners and policy-makers alike (58). During coad-
nitrazepam, plasma concentration (75). The desmethyl
ministration, the CNS depressive effects may be more
flunitrazepam AUC/flunitrazepam AUC ratio, named the
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synergistic than additive. Data regarding interactions
“metabolism index,” has been increased by 41% in
between benzodiazepines and methadone are varied, in
buprenorphine-pretreated rats when compared with 15%
part due to the use of in vitro animal studies and nonther-
in controls (75). This difference resulted in a signifi-
apeutic doses of medication. Diazepam has been studied
cant decrease in PaO2 and an increase in PaCO2 levels
most for its interactions with methadone (57,59–61). One
in rats, confirming increased respiratory depression (75). in vitro study (24) demonstrating competitive inhibition
As there are differences among species in metabolism,
of diazepam on methadone N-demethylation was limited
human studies are needed before extrapolating these
by supratherapeutic dosing confirmed by a K
findings to humans. Similar studies in humans examin-
this finding has not been confirmed clinically by such
ing flunitrazepam and desmethyl flunitrazepam kinetics,
interactions in humans (60,61). Flunitrazepam has also
been reported to lower the intravenous minimum lethal
Under pharmacological conditions, projected in vivo
dose of methadone in rats (62). The differences between
inhibition of CYP 3A4-mediated metabolism of fluni-
rats and humans, however, may preclude extrapolation of
trazepam by buprenorphine is .1–2.5%. Estimated inhi-
these results to humans for clinical purposes (62). Table 1
bition of buprenorphine N-dealkylation by flunitrazepam
summarizes these interactions. Further studies are needed
in vivo is .08% (72). These results are not significant and
to determine whether this effect is a pharmacokinetic
do not support a buprenorphine–flunitrazepam metabolic
interaction or a pharmacodynamic one.
interaction at the concentrations that occur in humans. Of
TABLE 1. Interactions between psychotropic medications and methadone or buprenorphine.
respiratory depression andpsychomotor impairment
N-demethylation with the Ki of50 μM (24)
↓(R)- and (S)-MTD metabolism (23)
been described at the sudden stopof fluvoxamine (96)
with MTD, risk of withdrawalsyndromes with sudden cessation
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Note: MLD, minimum lethal dose; MTD, methadone; BPN, buprenorphine.
note, flunitrazepam markedly lowers the intravenous min-
High-dose diazepam has been associated with time-
imum lethal dose of buprenorphine in rats (sixfold) (62).
dependent increases in the intensity of subjective med-
The adverse consequences of coadministering bupren
ication effects and decreases in psychological per-
orphine and benzodiazepines have been described for a
formance in buprenorphine-maintained patients (55).
number of different benzodiazepines (76,77), most of
Buprenorphine, when combined with clonazepam, nor-
which do not demonstrate the ability to inhibit bupre
diazepam, oxazepam, or bromazepam at therapeu-
norphine metabolism, including alprazolam, α-hydroxy-
tic doses, has not influenced respiration or arterial
exchange in rats, when compared with buprenorphine
clonazepam, 3-hydroxy-7-acetamidoclonazepam, demox
alone. Combinations of oxazepam or nordiazepam with
epam, diazepam, nordiazepam, oxazepam, estazolam,
buprenorphine, however, have significantly deepened
flurazepam, lorazepam, nitrazepam, temazepam, and
sedation in rats (78). These differences are probably
because of the unique properties of each benzodiazepine
molecule. However, to date, the molecular basis for these
among all SSRIs (86) but, unlike fluoxetine and fluvox-
observations remains to be determined.
amine, paroxetine is also a mild inhibitor of CYP 1A2,
With the exception of midazolam, these results
CYP 2C9, CYP 2C19, and CYP 3A4 (84).
strengthen animal studies and observations in humans
The metabolism of citalopram leads to two pharma-
that suggest the adverse interactions between benzodi-
cologically active metabolites with two enantiomers for
azepines and buprenorphine most probably arise from a
each. It has been shown that CYP 2C19 and CYP 2D6
pharmacodynamic mechanism rather than a pharmacoki-
each play a role in the biotransformation of citalopram
(83). The N-demethylation of sertraline correlates with
Given the disparity between the findings from in vitro
and in vivo studies and the clinical findings reportedfrom the case series, pharmacodynamic studies examin-
SSRIs Interactions
ing the safety of escalating doses of benzodiazepines in
buprenorphine-maintained patients are needed.
Depressive disorders are highly prevalent among thosewith substance use disorders (88), and patients prescribedmethadone are also commonly prescribed SSRIs. There
Benzodiazepine Interactions with Naltrexone
are reports of pharmacodynamic interactions between
There seems to be little likelihood of pharmacokinetic
methadone and different SSRIs. For example, fluox-
drug interactions occurring in vivo between naltrex-
etine significantly increases (R)-methadone concentra-
one and most benzodiazepines. The studies on human
tions (84,89). It inhibits CYP 3A4 and CYP 2D6,
liver microsomal preparations demonstrate that benzodi-
both of which are involved in methadone metabolism
azepines inhibit dihydrodiol dehydrogenase, the enzyme
(84,90), although CYP 3A4 is considered to have a
responsible for the formation of 6-β-naltrexol from nal-
more prominent role compared with CYP 2D6 (21,91–
trexone (44), by less than 20% (44). Moreover, as a
93). Fluvoxamine is a nonselective inhibitor of CYP
complete mu-opioid receptor antagonist, one might not
anticipate any pharmacodynamic interactions.
3A4 and increases concentrations of both (R)- and
Interestingly, naltrexone does increase the sedative
(S)-methadone (89,90,94,95). Additionally, opioid with-
effects of diazepam and delay the time to reach peak
drawal symptoms have been described when fluvoxam-
blood diazepam levels. The precise mechanism by which
ine is suddenly stopped, because fluvoxamine discon-
naltrexone alters the time to peak concentration is not
tinues inhibiting 2D6 and 3A4, allowing for increased
known, but it is possibly due to a delay in diazepam
metabolism of methadone and development of with-
absorption (80). Naltrexone increases the half-life of
diazepam from 4.0 h to 4.3 h, but the area under the
Paroxetine inhibits CYP 2D6 more than fluoxetine or
curve (AUC) remains unchanged (80), perhaps suggest-
norfluoxetine (50) and is also an inhibitor of CYP 3A4
ing that this would not result in any clinically significant
(21,84). Paroxetine significantly increases the concentra-
tions of both enantiomers of methadone (23), which isdue to inhibition of not only CYP 3A4 but also CYP 2D6
SSRIs Metabolism
and, to a minor extent, CYP 2C8 (21). Whether discon-
Pharmacokinetic interactions caused by metabolic inhibi-
tinuation of paroxetine can result in withdrawal is yet
tion of CYP isoenzyme activity represent the majority of
to be studied. Pharmacodynamic studies, however, have
the interactions reported with the SSRIs (81). Although
yet to examine the association between paroxetine and
members of this class of medications are quite similar
increased methadone levels and until they are done, clin-
in their antidepressant activity and side effect profiles
icians should be alert to the effects of SSRIs on serum
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(82), they differ substantially in their chemical struc-
methadone levels and the possible need for adjusting the
ture, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and their inhibitory
methadone dose, especially after sudden discontinuation
effects on the cytochrome P450 system.
Fluoxetine is mainly excreted in urine, with less than
10% excreted unchanged or as fluoxetine N-glucuronide
SSRIs Interactions with Buprenorphine
(83). It has been suggested that CYP 2C9 plays a piv-
otal role in the N-demethylation of fluoxetine with a
cytochrome P450 3A4, whereas fluoxetine and fluvox-
possible contribution of the CYP 2C19 and a CYP 3A4
amine inhibit 2D6 and 3A4 in vitro. Iribarne et al. (90),
isoform (83). Fluoxetine strongly inhibits CYP 2D6 (84).
however, demonstrated that fluoxetine does not inhibit
Norfluoxetine, a major metabolite of fluoxetine, is also a
buprenorphine dealkylation in vitro but norfluoxetine
inhibits buprenorphine metabolism. Fluvoxamine, on
Fluvoxamine’s main route of elimination is through
the contrary, has been shown to inhibit buprenorphine
hepatic metabolism that has been found to be associ-
dealkylation uncompetitively. There have been instances
ated with CYP 2D6 polymorphism and also CYP 1A2
of drug interactions such as the interaction between
activity. Paroxetine undergoes extensive metabolism in
delavirdine and buprenorphine that can cause a change
the liver to form more hydrophilic excretable compounds
in the buprenorphine metabolism but does not result
(83). Paroxetine is the most potent inhibitor of CYP 2D6
in any clinical manifestations (97). Further studies are
needed in this field to determine if these interactions
QT Interval Prolongation
are clinically meaningful. Because buprenorphine is a
Recent studies document methadone’s ability to prolong
partial opioid agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, it is
the QT interval that can result in torsade de pointes
unlikely that increases in buprenorphine levels would
(107–109). Psychotropic medications such as chlorpro-
result in respiratory depression and death; however,
mazine, intravenous haloperidol, ziprasidone, levomepro-
increased levels of buprenorphine have been associated
mazine, aripiprazole, and sultopride have been found
with increased sedation (2). Further studies are needed to
to significantly lengthen the QT interval, whereas oral
haloperidol, bromperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperi-done, and zotepine do not (110). Studies examining thepotential interactions of methadone and antipsychotic
Antipsychotic Medication Metabolism
medications on QT prolongation are needed to explore the
One of the major advantages of novel antipsychotics
safety of concomitant administration because of concerns
over classical compounds is their negligible effect on
that these various medications may have additive effects
hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes (98). Unlike older
on QT prolongation when coadministered.
antipsychotics, such as phenothiazines, which are potent
Furthermore, members of SSRI family, especially flu-
inhibitors of CYP 2D6 (99), novel antipsychotics are only
oxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline, have been associated
weak in vitro inhibitors of P450 isoenzymes at therapeutic
with cardiac rhythm disturbances such as prolonged QT
interval (111–113). Moreover, tricyclic antidepressants
The major metabolic pathways of olanzapine include
have been found to cause defects in the cardiac conduc-
direct N-glucuronidation, mediated by UGT 1A4,
tion due to the slowdown in the cardiac depolarization
and N-demethylation, mediated by CYP 1A2 (102).
and expansions in the QT interval that predispose the
patients to cardiac arrhythmias (114–116). Considering
include N-oxidation, catalyzed by flavin-containing
methadone’s effects on QT interval (107) and the poten-
monooxygenase-3 system, and 2-hydroxylation, metabo-
tial for additive effects, caution should be advised on
lized by CYP 2D6 (101,102). Olanzapine does not inhibit
coadministration of these medications and methadone.
P450 isoenzymes (102) and therefore should not have
Prescribing higher doses of methadone to improve
any significant pharmacokinetic interactions.
treatment outcomes for opioid dependence in recent years
Quetiapine, a dibenzothiazepine derivative, is exten-
and the frequent addition of psychotropic medications to
sively metabolized in the liver by sulfoxidation to form its
treatment regimens are two of the reasons why clinicians
major, but inactive, sulfoxide metabolite. Eleven metabo-
should be more aware of the possible additive effects
lites have been identified. N- and O-dealkylation also
between antipsychotic medications and methadone. It
occur as lesser metabolic pathways (103). Quetiapine and
would be advisable to take careful medical history screen-
its metabolites were found to be weak inhibitors of the
ing for known cardiac risk factors, perform baseline and
activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP 1A2, 2C9,
follow-up electrocardiograms, and watch for potential
2C19, 2D6, and 3A4) and are, therefore, not expected to
produce clinically relevant inhibition in vivo (104). Antipsychotic Medication Interactions Metabolism of Mood Stabilizers
Uehlinger et al. (10) demonstrated that quetiapine
Mood stabilizers are medications used to treat mood dis-
increases plasma concentrations of (R)-methadone, which
orders characterized by intense and sustained mood shifts
is speculated to be due to an interaction with CYP 2D6
such as in bipolar disorder. Lithium, the first mood sta-
or the P-glycoprotein transporter system or both. In this
bilizer, is not metabolized by the liver. Other described
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particular study, however, no pharmacodynamic signs
“mood stabilizers,” most of which are also categorized as
of oversedation caused by increased methadone plasma
anticonvulsants, include carbamazepine (CBZ), lamotrig-
concentrations were described. There are reports of que-
tiapine abuse especially among inmates with a history
CBZ is extensively metabolized in the liver, with only
of drug dependence (105). Further studies are needed
about 3% being excreted unchanged in the urine (117).
to confirm the presence of a pharmacodynamic or phar-
The main metabolic pathway of CBZ (to its active 10,11-
macokinetic interaction between quetiapine and other
epoxide, CBZ-E) appears to be mediated primarily by
opioids. Opioid withdrawal symptoms might theoretically
CYP 3A4, with a minor contribution by CYP 2C8 (118).
occur when quetiapine treatment is abruptly interrupted,
This epoxide pathway accounts for about 40% of CBZ
but remain unknown until empirically studied.
disposition. More important, however, is the impact of
The addition of olanzapine to patients on stable
CBZ on inducing CYP 3A4, resulting in many poten-
methadone doses has not resulted in clinical with-
tial pharmacokinetic interactions (117). CBZ decreases
drawal in patients. Moreover, no change in plasma
the plasma levels of not only CBZ itself (autoinduc-
methadone ratio has been observed in relation to the dose
tion) but also many other medications (heteroinduction).
before and during the treatment, which suggests a lack
Moreover, if CBZ is discontinued, plasma levels of these
of pharmacokinetic interaction between methadone and
other medications can rise, leading to toxic effects from
Valproic acid is a fatty acid with biochemical prop-
depends, to different degrees, upon the isoenzymes CYP
erties such as blocking sodium channels and mod-
ulating GABAergic function. Valproic acid is exten-
Methadone maintenance therapy patients have been
sively metabolized with less than 3% being excreted
found to use amitriptyline to achieve euphoria (6,129).
unchanged in the urine. There are three principal routes
Increased tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) toxicity with
of metabolism: (1) conjugations to inactive glucuronides
methadone coadministration has been reported (130–
(50%); (2) β-oxidation in the mitochondria (40%); and (3)
132). In a retrospective study, decreased methadone
cytochrome P450 oxidation (10%) (117). Valproic acid
clearance was found in patients receiving amitriptyline
may cause clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interac-
(11). Liu et al. (133) have shown that desipramine sig-
tions by inhibiting the metabolism of selected substrates,
nificantly reduces the analgesic ED50 of methadone in
most notably phenobarbital and lamotrigine (120).
rats. Desipramine treatment has also been found to sig-nificantly reduce the LD50 of methadone. The addition
Mood Stabilizers Interactions
of desipramine to microsomal incubations from nor-
The main biotransformation of methadone is the N-
mal rat liver has resulted in inhibition of methadone
demethylation by CYP 3A4 and CYP 2B6 (21–24). CBZ
N-demethylation proportional to the desipramine concen-
strongly induces CYP 3A4 activity (121) and conse-
tration (133). Because of the differences among species
quently accelerates methadone metabolism. In a study on
in their metabolism, human studies are needed before
12 methadone maintenance patients, CBZ resulted in a
extrapolating these findings to humans. Further studies
significant reduction in methadone trough levels, result-
are required to better understand the underlying mecha-
ing in mild opioid withdrawal symptoms over 7–10 days
(122). At the cessation of CBZ, there is a reduction inthe metabolism of methadone with a resultant increase
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
in plasma methadone levels, thereby increasing the risk
The administration of opioid agonist medications and
of overdose, an unfortunate adverse event that has been
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within 2 weeks
documented with CBZ cessation (123). Further pharma-
of each other is contraindicated. MAOIs can cause a
cokinetic studies are needed to determine the extent of
serotonin-like syndrome especially when coadministered
this effect. Stopping CBZ in the setting of methadone
with some SSRIs (134). Many questions have been raised
treatment should include close observation of the patient
regarding the safety of opioid analgesics in patients who
for oversedation and opioid overdose and a need for
To the best of our knowledge, there are no serotonin
The induction of CYP 3A4 by CBZ could lead to a
toxicity reports of methadone and MAOI combination
significant reduction of the mean terminal elimination
treatments (134) and although methadone is a weak non-
half-life of buprenorphine and methadone that is specu-
SSRI (138), such reactions are considered unlikely (134).
lated to be clinically relevant (40,41), yet confirmatory
The same is true in the coadministration of buprenorphine
and MAOIs. There are no reports on serotonin syndrome
Surprisingly, the number of pharmacokinetic studies
caused by interaction of buprenorphine and MAOIs and
on valproic acid and buprenorphine or methadone inter-
such interactions are not likely (134).
actions is very limited. Kristensen et al. (124) measuredbuprenorphine levels before and after receiving valproicacid in 12 patients and have concluded that no significant
CONCLUSIONS
interactions between the two medications occur.
The studies performed on potential interactions
In vitro and well-designed and conducted pharmacologic
Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by Yale University on 01/09/12
between lithium and opioid maintenance drugs are
studies in humans have defined an array of pharma-
limited. In a study in 1978 (125), seven methadone-
cokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions with vari-
maintained patients were treated with lithium for a month,
able clinical impact between opioid agonist therapies
which resulted in a significant decrease in the methadone
and psychoactive medications. Being cognizant of pos-
dose needed for maintenance. Further studies are needed
sible synergistic effects of psychotropic medications and
methadone on QT prolongation and the risks involvedare necessary in today’s clinical practice. Careful medical
Tricyclic Antidepressants
history taking, risk stratification, and obtaining a base-
Antidepressant medications are used in the treatment of
line and a follow-up electrocardiogram after a month
major depression, neurosis, panic disorder, and chronic
of initiating therapy are examples of practices that can
pain and tricyclics are one of the most commonly used
help clinicians address such risks. Considering the current
gaps in knowledge on pharmacokinetic and pharmacody-
Inactivation of tricyclics occurs largely through
namic interactions between opioid agonist therapies and
cytochrome P450 enzymes, by demethylation of tertiary
psychoactive medications and the potential for serious
tricyclics to their secondary amine metabolites, hydrox-
consequences, further human subject studies are required
ylation, then glucuronidation, and excretion in the urine
to better understand the underlying mechanism of these
(127). Tricyclic antidepressant medication metabolism
Declaration of Interest
15. Stitzer ML, Griffiths RR, McLellan AT, Grabowski J,
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors
Hawthorne JW. Diazepam use among methadone maintenance
alone are responsible for the content and writing of this
patients: Patterns and dosages. Drug Alcohol Depend 1981;
16. Grass H, Behnsen S, Kimont HG, Staak M, Kaferstein H.
Methadone and its role in drug-related fatalities in Cologne
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PARTICIPACION EN PROYECTOS DE INVESTIGACION FINANCIADOS EN LOS ULTIMOS 10 AÑOS ______________________________________________________________ TITULO DEL PROYECTO: " Proyecto de estudio sobre los factores generadores de la litiasis renal, para su prevención " ENTIDAD FINANCIADORA : Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias de la Seguridad Social (Ref. 86/1035) DURACION DESDE: