Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Diazepam
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Diazepam: 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
Barbiturates and benzodiazepines add together to cause profound sedation and respiratory depression. Amobarbital also induces hepatic enzymes and may lower diazepam levels over time, making the net effect unpredictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Diazepam 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.
Amobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System; Diazepam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A mediated CNS depression, with CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 induction by amobarbital reducing diazepam exposure.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; otherwise use the lowest doses with close monitoring of sedation and respiration. Reassess diazepam response when the barbiturate is started or stopped.
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 Diazepam
Other interactions of Amobarbital
- Amobarbital + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isavuconazonium Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amobarbital with Diazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Diazepam 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. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines add together to cause profound sedation and respiratory depression. Amobarbital also induces hepatic enzymes and may lower diazepam levels over time, making the net effect unpredictable.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Diazepam?
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; otherwise use the lowest doses with close monitoring of sedation and respiration. Reassess diazepam response when the barbiturate is started or stopped.
What other medicines interact with Diazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Alfentanil, Alprazolam. The full list is on the Diazepam page.
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