Drug interactions
Alprazolam + Papaveretum
Severity: Major
Alprazolam and Papaveretum: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Papaveretum contains opium alkaloids, mainly morphine, and combining it with a benzodiazepine can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Regulators warn specifically against concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Alprazolam and Papaveretum can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid and GABA-A receptor modulation.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if required, use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor respiratory rate and sedation level. Consider naloxone availability and counsel patients and caregivers on warning signs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Alprazolam
- Alprazolam + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Alprazolam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Alprazolam with Papaveretum?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Alprazolam and Papaveretum can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Papaveretum contains opium alkaloids, mainly morphine, and combining it with a benzodiazepine can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Regulators warn specifically against concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use.
How serious is the interaction between Alprazolam and Papaveretum?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if required, use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor respiratory rate and sedation level. Consider naloxone availability and counsel patients and caregivers on warning signs.
What other medicines interact with Alprazolam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Alprazolam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole. The full list is on the Alprazolam page.
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