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Drug Interactions between Depakote and Xanax

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

ALPRAZolam divalproex sodium

Applies to: Xanax (alprazolam) and Depakote (divalproex sodium)

GENERALLY AVOID: One case series has suggested that benzodiazepines may amplify the teratogenic effects of valproate in the offspring of epileptic women. Both drugs individually have been associated with adverse effects to the fetus. Another study has suggested that valproate may displace diazepam from plasma protein binding sites and inhibit its metabolism; however, the clinical significance has not been established. Other benzodiazepines may interact with valproate in a similar fashion.

MANAGEMENT: Both valproate and benzodiazepines should be avoided during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. In other patients, close observation for clinical evidence of benzodiazepine toxicity (excessive sedation) is recommended if valproate and a benzodiazepine must be used together.

References (2)
  1. Dhillon S, Richens A (1982) "Valproic acid and diazepam interaction in vivo." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 13, p. 553-60
  2. Laegreid L, Kyllerman M, Hedner T, Hagberg B, Viggedahl G (1993) "Benzodiazepine amplification of valproate teratogenic effects in children of mothers with absence epilepsy." Neuropediatrics, 24, p. 88-92

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

ALPRAZolam food

Applies to: Xanax (alprazolam)

GENERALLY AVOID: The pharmacologic activity of oral midazolam, triazolam, and alprazolam may be increased if taken after drinking grapefruit juice. The proposed mechanism is CYP450 3A4 enzyme inhibition. In addition, acute alcohol ingestion may potentiate CNS depression and other CNS effects of many benzodiazepines. Tolerance may develop with chronic ethanol use. The mechanism may be decreased clearance of the benzodiazepines because of CYP450 hepatic enzyme inhibition. Also, it has been suggested that the cognitive deficits induced by benzodiazepines may be increased in patients who chronically consume large amounts of alcohol.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends that grapefruit juice should not be taken with oral midazolam. Patients taking triazolam or alprazolam should be monitored for excessive sedation. Alternatively, the patient could consume orange juice which does not interact with these drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during benzodiazepine therapy.

References (7)
  1. (2002) "Product Information. Xanax (alprazolam)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
  2. (2002) "Product Information. Valium (diazepam)." Roche Laboratories
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Halcion (triazolam)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
  4. (1995) "Grapefruit juice interactions with drugs." Med Lett Drugs Ther, 37, p. 73-4
  5. Kupferschmidt HHT, Ha HR, Ziegler WH, Meier PJ, Krahenbuhl S (1995) "Interaction between grapefruit juice and midazolam in humans." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 58, p. 20-8
  6. Hukkinen SK, Varhe A, Olkkola KT, Neuvonen PJ (1995) "Plasma concentrations of triazolam are increased by concomitant ingestion of grapefruit juice." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 58, p. 127-31
  7. Bailey DG, Dresser GR, Kreeft JH, Munoz C, Freeman DJ, Bend JR (2000) "Grapefruit-felodipine interaction: Effect of unprocessed fruit and probable active ingredients." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 68, p. 468-77
Moderate

divalproex sodium food

Applies to: Depakote (divalproex sodium)

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

References (4)
  1. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P (1986) "Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline." Neuropsychobiology, 15, p. 31-7
  2. Gilman AG, eds., Nies AS, Rall TW, Taylor P (1990) "Goodman and Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics." New York, NY: Pergamon Press Inc.
  3. (2012) "Product Information. Fycompa (perampanel)." Eisai Inc
  4. (2015) "Product Information. Rexulti (brexpiprazole)." Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals Inc

Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

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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.

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