Mixing Xtampza ER and Alcohol

Xtampza ER should never be mixed with alcohol because both substances depress the activity of the central nervous system. The combined use of these drugs can lead to liver complications and potentially life-threatening respiratory depression.

Xtampza ER should not be mixed with other central nervous system depressants, including other opioids, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, and non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics. MAO inhibitors that are indicated to treat depression should also not be taken concurrently with Xtampza ER.

Concomitant use of Xtampza ER with certain antibiotics, antifungals, and protease inhibitors may increase plasma concentrations of Xtampza ER and lead to the increased risk of adverse reactions, including potentially fatal respiratory depression. Discontinuing use of rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and other similar medications while taking Xtampza ER can result in similar complications.

Xtampza ER is an extended-release version of oxycodone. Oxycodone is a potent analgesic opioid that’s derived from codeine. Xtampza ER is an extended-release formulation of the drug. It’s designed to be gradually released into the patient’s system over the course of a 12-hour period. Xtampza ER is administered for the treatment of chronic pain that’s resistant to milder forms of pain management. Xtampza ER is formulated to be difficult to misuse recreationally, although it is still possible to crush the drug for snorting or injection.

Extreme caution should be exercised when first administering Xtampza ER. The first 24 to 72 hours is the riskiest time. Patients should be closely monitored for the development of severe respiratory depression and allergic reactions.

The liver is the primary processing center for both alcohol and Xtampza ER. The combination of these substances can lead to dangerously elevated blood plasma concentrations of alcohol and Xtampza ER. This is the result of inefficient metabolism and extended clearance times due to an overtaxed liver. Patients with poor liver health have a higher likelihood of experiencing such complications.

Other factors that can affect the chance of opioid or alcohol toxicity include the patient’s age, weight, overall physical health, kidney function, opioid tolerance, and genetic predispositions. Certain individuals are naturally more tolerant of higher doses of Xtampza, even when combined with alcohol. The combined use of Xtampza ER and alcohol can increase the severity of adverse reactions from each substance. Blackouts, nausea, vomiting, poor coordination, pinpoint pupils, muscle flaccidity, fainting, confusion, loss of consciousness, coma, and death are associated risk factors of the concomitant use of alcohol and Xtampza ER.

Respiratory depression is the primary risk factor associated with Xtampza ER use. The chances of experiencing life-threatening respiratory depression increase dramatically when Xtampza is taken with benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, alcohol, sedative/hypnotics, tranquilizers, and certain antifungals and antibacterials. Due to the high risk of addiction, overdose, and severe complications with a wide range of substances, Xtampza ER should only be taken as prescribed.

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