Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Temazepam
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Temazepam: 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
Combining buprenorphine with a benzodiazepine increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Regulatory agencies have issued warnings about this combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Temazepam 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; Temazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via opioid and GABA-A receptor mechanisms.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible; if necessary use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Warn patients against alcohol and driving.
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 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 Temazepam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Temazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Temazepam 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 buprenorphine with a benzodiazepine increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Regulatory agencies have issued warnings about this combination.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Temazepam?
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 concurrent use where possible; if necessary use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Warn patients against alcohol and driving.
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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