Drug interactions
Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Contraindicated
Alprazolam and Sodium oxybate: contraindicated 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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and adding a benzodiazepine can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death. Oxybate labeling advises against concurrent sedative hypnotics.
What this interaction means in plain words
Alprazolam and Sodium oxybate are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Alprazolam belongs to Central Nervous System; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via GABAergic pharmacodynamic synergism.
What to do
Avoid the combination and choose a non-sedating alternative to alprazolam where possible. If unavoidable, use minimum doses and monitor closely for respiratory depression.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Alprazolam
- Alprazolam + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Alprazolam Major
- Alprazolam + Amobarbital Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Alprazolam with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Alprazolam and Sodium oxybate are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and adding a benzodiazepine can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death. Oxybate labeling advises against concurrent sedative hypnotics.
How serious is the interaction between Alprazolam and Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and choose a non-sedating alternative to alprazolam where possible. If unavoidable, use minimum doses and monitor closely for respiratory depression.
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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