Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Oxazepam
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Oxazepam: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Combining an opioid with a benzodiazepine increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death, as reflected in regulatory boxed warnings. Oxazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine with a lower interaction potential than some others, but the additive risk remains.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Oxazepam 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.
Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Oxazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression through opioid and GABA-A receptor effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or use the lowest doses for the shortest time and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients and caregivers about warning signs and consider providing naloxone.
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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References
Other interactions of Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Oxazepam
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxazepam Contraindicated
- Oxazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Oxazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Oxazepam Major
- Baclofen + Oxazepam Major
- Belladonna and opium + Oxazepam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Oxazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Oxazepam 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. Combining an opioid with a benzodiazepine increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death, as reflected in regulatory boxed warnings. Oxazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine with a lower interaction potential than some others, but the additive risk remains.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Oxazepam?
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, or use the lowest doses for the shortest time and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients and caregivers about warning signs and consider providing naloxone.
What other medicines interact with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buprenorphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Buprenorphine page.
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