What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Carbamazepine and meperidine
Meperidine's FDA label of November 29, 2025 names carbamazepine in its drug interactions section; carbamazepine's label does not name meperidine itself but warns about its class (Opioids (opioid agonists)). The meperidine label: “The concomitant use of meperidine hydrochloride tablets and CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 inducers can decrease the plasma concentration of meperidine, resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients …”
Check it at the source: the carbamazepine FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 20, 2026, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation); the meperidine FDA label on DailyMed (effective November 29, 2025, EPIC PHARMA, LLC).
What does the carbamazepine label say about meperidine?
Carbamazepine's label does not name meperidine itself; it warns about its class (Opioids (opioid agonists)):
Carbamazepine label, drug interactionsCNS 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 meperidine label say about carbamazepine?
Meperidine label, drug interactionsCYP3A4 and CYP2B6 Inducers Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of meperidine hydrochloride tablets and CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 inducers can decrease the plasma concentration of meperidine, resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to meperidine. … evaluate patients at frequent intervals for signs of respiratory depression and sedation. Examples: Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin
Meperidine label, warnings and precautionsSimilarly, discontinuation of a CYP3A4 inducer, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin, in meperidine hydrochloride tablets-treated patients may increase meperidine plasma concentrations and prolong opioid adverse reactions.
Source: FDA drug label (Demerol, NDA021171), Hospira, Inc., effective July 20, 2026 (SPL set b31d1308-28c3-43f4-e0a6-2f3ed76b8975), via openFDA
Source: FDA drug label (Meperidine Hydrochloride), EPIC PHARMA, LLC, effective November 29, 2025 (SPL set fae5cc34-5917-4445-9516-25f97ffca8db), 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
| Carbamazepine | Meperidine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Bipolar disorder, Seizures and epilepsy | Pain |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.119 per tablet 200 mg tablet | $0.157 per mL 50 mg/5 mL solution |
| Shortage now | A presentation being discontinued | Listed; available |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once