This article describes possible interactions with Nucynta. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Nucynta comes as tablets that you swallow.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Nucynta has the following boxed warnings:
- misuse and addiction
- serious breathing problems
- accidental ingestion
- serious effects if taken with certain other medications or alcohol
- neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, if taken during pregnancy
See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.
Other drugs and Nucynta
The drugs in the list below may interact with Nucynta. This article does not include all drugs that may interact with Nucynta.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with Nucynta include:
- anticholinergics:
- drug examples: benztropine, darifenacin
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Nucynta and the anticholinergic
- benzodiazepines:
- drug examples: alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Nucynta and the benzodiazepine
- diuretics:
- drug examples: furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
- what might happen: can make the diuretic less effective
- mixed opioid agonists/antagonists and opioid partial agonists:
- drug examples: buprenorphine (Butrans, Brixadi, others), butorphanol
- what might happen: can make Nucynta less effective and may cause opioid withdrawal symptoms
- muscle relaxants:
- drug examples: cyclobenzaprine (Amrix), metaxalone
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Nucynta and the muscle relaxant
- opioids other than Nucynta:
- sedatives/hypnotics:
- drug examples: eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Nucynta and the sedative/hypnotic
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):
- drug examples: sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil, Brisdelle)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Nucynta and the SSRI
- serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs):
- drug examples: duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Nucynta and the SNRI
- triptans:
- drug examples: sumatriptan (Imitrex, Tosymra), rizatriptan (Maxalt, Rizafilm)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Nucynta and the triptan
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):
- drug examples: phenelzine (Nardil), linezolid (Zyvox)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Nucynta and MAOIs*
*For more details about this interaction, see the section “When to avoid Nucynta” below.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardWhen to avoid Nucynta
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with Nucynta. Doctors may not prescribe Nucynta to people with these conditions or factors. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of contraindications for Nucynta:
- Blockage in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract: If you have a blockage in your GI tract, taking Nucynta may worsen your condition.
- Currently taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or use within the past 14 days: If you’re taking or have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days, taking Nucynta may cause a harmful drug interaction. This interaction increases the risk of serious side effects from Nucynta, such as respiratory depression. It also increases the risk of serious side effects from MAOIs, such as blood pressure changes and serotonin syndrome (high levels of serotonin in your body, which can be life threatening). Because of these risks, doctors typically won’t prescribe these drugs together.
- Severe asthma: If you have severe asthma, you may have a higher risk for respiratory depression with Nucynta. (To learn more about this side effect and Nucynta, see the “Boxed warnings” section at the end of this article.)
- Past allergic reaction to Nucynta: If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Nucynta, using it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start taking Nucynta, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should use Nucynta.
Alcohol and Nucynta
Nucynta is known to interact with alcohol. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Nucynta.
Taking Nucynta and drinking alcohol may cause severe respiratory depression, which can lead to coma or even death in extreme instances. (To learn more about respiratory depression and Nucynta, see the “Boxed warnings” section at the end of this article.)
If you drink alcohol and have concerns about avoiding it while taking Nucynta, talk with your doctor.
Other interactions and Nucynta
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether Nucynta has these interactions.
The information below does not include all other possible interactions possible with Nucynta.
Nucynta and supplements
Before taking Nucynta, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
In addition to the interactions discussed below, Nucynta can also interact with melatonin, a supplement that aids sleep. Using melatonin while taking Nucynta can cause drowsiness. Because of this, talk with your doctor before using melatonin while taking Nucynta.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Nucynta interactions with herbs
Nucynta may interact with valerian root. Some people use this herb to aid sleep. Taking Nucynta and valerian root may lead to feeling excessively drowsy and sleepy.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking Nucynta.
Nucynta interactions with vitamins
Nucynta is not known to interact with any vitamins. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vitamins can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while using Nucynta.
Nucynta and food
Nucynta isn’t known to interact with foods. But this doesn’t mean interactions with foods can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods you should avoid while taking Nucynta.
Nucynta and vaccines
Nucynta isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking Nucynta.
Nucynta and lab tests
Nucynta isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while taking Nucynta.
Nucynta and cannabis or CBD
Reports have shown cannabis (commonly called marijuana) and cannabis products may interact with Nucynta. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an example of a cannabis product.
Taking Nucynta and using cannabis may cause severe respiratory depression, which can lead to coma or even be fatal in extreme cases. (To learn more about respiratory depression and Nucynta, see the “Boxed warnings” section at the end of this article.)
Before you take Nucynta, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you use cannabis. Doing so may help prevent possible interactions.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Health factors and Nucynta
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with Nucynta. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking Nucynta, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether Nucynta is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with Nucynta:
- head injury in the past
- epilepsy or seizures
- frequent or chronic constipation
- kidney condition, such as chronic kidney disease
- liver condition, such as alcohol-related liver disease
- pancreas condition, such as chronic pancreatitis
- thyroid condition, such as hypothyroidism
- urinary retention or another problem that causes difficulty urinating
- mental health conditions, such as substance use disorder
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- past allergic reaction to Nucynta
Also, having opioid dependence may increase the risk of certain conditions if you stop taking Nucynta abruptly. These include suicidal thoughts or behaviors, opioid withdrawal symptoms, or unmanageable pain. (Dependence means your body needs a certain drug to feel as it usually does.)
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Preventing Nucynta interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with Nucynta. Before using this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if your doctor prescribes a new drug while you are taking Nucynta?
Taking Nucynta exactly as your doctor prescribes can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about Nucynta and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- How do interactions of Nucynta compare with other opioids?
- Do other medications used for my condition have fewer possible interactions?
- What can I do to help reduce my risk of interactions with Nucynta?
Boxed warnings for Nucynta
This drug has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Misuse and addiction. Like other opioid drugs, Nucynta carries a risk for misuse and addiction. (With misuse, a drug is taken other than how it’s prescribed. With addiction, you continue taking a substance despite it causing harm.) Misuse and addiction to Nucynta can result in overdose and, sometimes, even death. Due to this risk, you should take Nucynta exactly as your doctor prescribes.
Serious breathing problems. Like other opioids, Nucynta can cause serious and possibly life threatening breathing problems. This can occur even when you take Nucynta as directed by your doctor. Immediately call 911 or go to the closest emergency room if you develop symptoms of respiratory depression. These can include difficulty breathing and slow, shallow breathing.
Accidental ingestion. Accidental ingestion of Nucynta can cause serious or life threatening respiratory depression and other serious side effects. In children, ingesting even one dose by accident can be life threatening. Due to this risk, keep Nucynta in a safe place that is out of reach from children and where other people can’t access it.
Serious effects if taken with certain medications or alcohol. Like other opioids, Nucynta can cause serious effects if you take it with certain other medications. Examples include benzodiazepines and other opioids. Serious effects can also occur if you consume alcohol during Nucynta treatment. Examples of benzodiazepines and other opioids are listed above in this article. You can also talk with your doctor to learn more.
Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. If you use Nucynta for a long time during pregnancy, the drug can cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome in a newborn. Doctors can manage this condition in the hospital. Talk with your doctor about safe pain management options if you’re pregnant or considering becoming pregnant.
To learn more about these warnings, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.