Combining Buprenorphine and Metaxalone is a major interaction and should generally be avoided without close medical supervision.
Patients may experience increased sedation, dizziness, confusion, and psychomotor impairment. The most serious clinical effect is an increased risk of respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening, especially in opioid-naive patients or those with underlying respiratory compromise.
Mechanism: Buprenorphine, an opioid partial agonist, and metaxalone, a central nervous system (CNS) depressant muscle relaxant, both exert their primary effects by depressing CNS activity. The co-administration of these agents leads to an additive pharmacodynamic effect, increasing the overall CNS depression.
Buprenorphine vs. Metaxalone
Compare Buprenorphine and Metaxalone: mechanism of action, indications, side effects, cost, and which may be right for you.
Drug A
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine
Opioid Analgesics
RxDrug B
Metaxalone
Metaxalone
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
RxQuick Comparison
| Category | Buprenorphine | Metaxalone |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Opioid Analgesics | Skeletal Muscle Relaxants |
| Rx Status | Rx | Rx |
| Generic Available | No | No |
| Typical Cost | $50–$300/month | $200–$500/month |
Buprenorphine Overview
BUPRENORPHINE (brand name: BUPRENORPHINE) is a Opioid Analgesics. 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Buprenorphine Sublingual Tablets are indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence and are preferred for induction. Buprenorphine sublingual tablets should be used as part of a complete treatment plan to include counseling and psychosocial support. Buprenorphine…
Full Buprenorphine guide →Metaxalone Overview
Metaxalone is a muscle relaxant used to relieve discomfort from acute, painful muscle and bone conditions. While its exact action isn't fully understood, it's thought to help by causing a calming effect. It's typically used alongside rest and physical therapy to help patients feel better.
Full Metaxalone guide →How Each Drug Works
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine sublingual tablets contain buprenorphine, a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor and an antagonist at the kappa-opioid receptor.
Metaxalone
Metaxalone’s mechanism of action has not been fully characterized, but may be related to its sedative properties. Metaxalone has no direct action on the contractile mechanism of striated muscle, the motor end plate, or the nerve fiber.
Approved Uses (Indications)
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine Sublingual Tablets are indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence and are preferred for induction. Buprenorphine sublingual tablets should be used as part of a complete treatment plan to include counseling and psychosocial support. Buprenorphine sublingual tablets contain buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and are indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence and are preferred for induction. Buprenorphine sublingual tablets should be used as part of a complete treatment plan that includes counseling and psychosocial support.
Metaxalone
Metaxalone tablets are indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older. Metaxalone is a muscle relaxant indicated as an adjunct to rest, physical therapy, and other measures for the relief of discomforts associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older.
Side Effects
Buprenorphine
Metaxalone
Cost Comparison
Buprenorphine
$50–$300/month
While Buprenorphine is available as a generic, prices can vary significantly depending on the specific formulation and dosage. Using discount cards like GoodRx can often help reduce the out-of-pocket cost.
Metaxalone
$200–$500/month
Since Metaxalone is only available as a brand-name drug, consider using manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs to reduce costs. Discount cards like GoodRx may also offer some savings.
Compare prices for Buprenorphine and Metaxalone
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.