Does Abilify interact with gabapentin? (+3 interactions)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether Abilify interacts with gabapentin. We will also mention the possible interactions between Abilify and gabapentin and other relevant information.
Does Abilify interact with gabapentin?
Yes, Abilify interacts with gabapentin and the risk and severity of adverse effects are increased when these medications are used together (1). Abilify is the brand name for aripiprazole which is an atypical antipsychotic (2).
Abilify is utilized in the management of conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autistic disorder (2).
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication effective in treating seizures and nerve pain and used for conditions like postherpetic neuralgia, partial onset seizures, and restless leg syndrome (RLS) (3).
Abilify can be prescribed with gabapentin under some conditions. This decision is made by the healthcare provider and the medications should not be combined without medical oversight.
Why does Abilify interact with gabapentin?
Abilify interacts with gabapentin because they both affect neurotransmitters in the brain and the combined use can increase the side effects.
Abilify interacts with the receptors like serotonin, dopamine, histamine, and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. It acts as a partial agonist at some serotonin and dopamine receptors and an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors (2).
The precise mechanism through which gabapentin produces its effects is not known. It has structural similarities with the neurotransmitter GABA but it doesn’t influence GABA in any way (3)
Gabapentin also binds to the alpha-2-delta-1 subunit of voltage-activated calcium channels however, the therapeutic effects of this binding are unknown (3).
What are the possible interactions between Abilify and gabapentin?
Abilify and gabapentin when combined increase the risk of CNS, gastrointestinal (GI), psychiatric, and metabolic side effects.
CNS side effects:
Taking Abilify with gabapentin can increase the risk of CNS side effects including dizziness, sedation, and somnolence (2,4). Clinical studies have demonstrated that Abilify and gabapentin are associated with these side effects (2,4).
Thus, patients taking these drugs together may experience reduced alertness and cognitive and motor impairment. Abilify and gabapentin combination may also increase the risk of suicidal ideation (2,4).
Gastrointestinal side effects:
Abilify is associated with side effects like nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, and dyspepsia and these side effects are also reported with gabapentin (2,4). Thus, taking Abilify with gabapentin increases the incidence of GI side effects.
Psychiatric side effects:
Taking Abilify with gabapentin may increase the risk of psychiatric side effects like agitation, restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety as they have been reported as side effects of Abilify and gabapentin (2,4).
Metabolic side effects:
Abilify can cause metabolic side effects like an increase in blood glucose levels, dyslipidemia, and an increase in body weight (2). Weight gain and hyperglycemia have also been observed in patients taking gabapentin (4).
In rare cases, Abilify can cause hyponatremia. The risk of hyponatremia is also present with gabapentin and the risk may increase when the medications are taken together (2,4). Symptoms of hyponatremia include (5):
- anorexia
- tiredness
- nausea
- headache
- vomiting
- agitation
- muscle cramps
Can you take Abilify with gabapentin?
Research indicates that antipsychotic drugs like Abilify and antiepileptic drugs like gabapentin are frequently prescribed together (6).
The combination of Abilify and gabapentin might be used to treat psychiatric disorders or to manage neuropathic pain or seizures that may occur with psychiatric issues.
Research suggests that gabapentin is effective in managing partially responsive schizophrenia when used along with antipsychotics (7). Thus, Abilify can be used with gabapentin if prescribed by the healthcare provider.
How to take Abilify with gabapentin?
Abilify and gabapentin are prescription drugs and should not be taken without medical oversight. Your healthcare provider will decide if taking both drugs is suitable for you.
Your healthcare provider will make the necessary dose adjustments while prescribing these drugs together. Take the medications exactly as prescribed by the healthcare provider. Both medications can be taken with or without food.
Do not increase or reduce the dose by yourself. If you feel dizzy and sleepy while taking the medications, avoid driving and operating heavy machinery. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience the symptoms of hyponatremia or suicidal thoughts.
In my perspective, Abilify and gabapentin interact with each other because they both act on neurotransmitters in the brain. Using them together increases the risk of adverse effects.
Taking Abilify with gabapentin increases the risk of CNS, GI, metabolic, and psychiatric side effects. Abilify can be prescribed with gabapentin in some conditions.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience serious adverse effects while taking Abilify with gabapentin.
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References
1.-
PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 3446, Gabapentin; [cited 2023 Dec. 28]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Gabapentin
2.-
ABILIFY® (aripiprazole) Tablets. Otsuka America Pharmaceutical. Reference ID: 03US20IBR0006 [Internet] [updated 2020 Jun; cited 2023 Dec 28]. Available from: https://www.otsuka-us.com/sites/g/files/qhldwo4671/files/media/static/Abilify-PI.pdf
3.-
Yasaei R, Katta S, Saadabadi A. Gabapentin. [Updated 2022 Dec 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493228/
4.-
NEURONTIN® (gabapentin) capsules, for oral use. Pfizer. Reference ID: 4168942 [Internet] [updated 2017 Oct; cited 2023 Dec 28]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020235s064_020882s047_021129s046lbl.pdf
5.-
Rondon H, Badireddy M. Hyponatremia. [Updated 2023 Jun 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470386/
6.-
Besag FM, Berry D. Interactions between antiepileptic and antipsychotic drugs. Drug Saf. 2006;29(2):95-118. doi: 10.2165/00002018-200629020-00001. PMID: 16454538.
7.-
Gabriel A. Gabapentin adjunctive to risperidone or olanzapine in partially responsive schizophrenia: an open-label pilot study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2010 Oct 29;6:711-7. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S13407. PMID: 21127689; PMCID: PMC2987504.
