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What the FDA labels say about taking them together

Carbamazepine and sufentanil

Sufentanil's FDA label of June 1, 2026 names carbamazepine in its drug interactions section; carbamazepine's label does not name sufentanil itself but warns about its class (Opioids (opioid agonists)). The sufentanil label: “The concomitant use of Sufentanil Citrate Injection and CYP3A4 inducers can decrease the plasma concentration of sufentanil, resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have …”

Check it at the source: the carbamazepine FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 20, 2026, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation); the sufentanil FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 1, 2026, Hospira, Inc.).

What does the carbamazepine label say about sufentanil?

Carbamazepine's label does not name sufentanil itself; it warns about its class (Opioids (opioid agonists)):

Carbamazepine label, drug interactions

CNS Depressants The concomitant use of Carbatrol and other CNS depressants can increase the risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, hypotension, and syncope. CNS depressants include: alcohol, opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, sedative/hypnotics, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, anticholinergics, alpha and beta blockers, general anesthetics, muscle relaxants, and illicit CNS depressants.

Source: FDA drug label (Tegretol), Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, effective August 20, 2026 (SPL set 8d409411-aa9f-4f3a-a52c-fbcb0c3ec053), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed

What does the sufentanil label say about carbamazepine?

Sufentanil label, drug interactions

CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of Sufentanil Citrate Injection and CYP3A4 inducers can decrease the plasma concentration of sufentanil, resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to sufentanil. … Citrate Injection dosage reduction and monitor for signs of respiratory depression. Examples: Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin

Sufentanil label, warnings and precautions

Similarly, discontinuation of a CYP3A4 inducer, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin, in Sufentanil Citrate Injection-treated patients may increase sufentanil plasma concentrations and prolong opioid adverse reactions.

Source: FDA drug label (Sufentanil Citrate), Hospira, Inc., effective June 1, 2026 (SPL set 20293943-46ff-4345-1aa4-929b4e017a25), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed

These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.

Both medicines on the record

42Carbamazepine generic labelers
1Sufentanil generic labelers
CarbamazepineSufentanil
Labeled forBipolar disorder, Seizures and epilepsyn/a
Boxed warningYesYes
Pharmacy cost (NADAC)$0.119 per tablet 200 mg tabletn/a
Shortage nowA presentation being discontinuedIn shortage

Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)

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