Drug interactions
Buprenorphine long-acting + Clonazepam
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine long-acting and Clonazepam: 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
Long-acting buprenorphine injection given with a benzodiazepine produces additive CNS and respiratory depression. Because exposure persists for weeks, the risk of serious sedation continues after dosing.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine long-acting and Clonazepam 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 GABA-A potentiation and opioid receptor agonism.
What to do
Use only when no alternative exists, with the lowest clonazepam dose and shortest duration. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression throughout the injection interval.
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 Clonazepam
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Clonazepam Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Clonazepam Major
- Alprazolam + Clonazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Clonazepam Major
- Belladonna and opium + Clonazepam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine long-acting with Clonazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine long-acting and Clonazepam 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. Long-acting buprenorphine injection given with a benzodiazepine produces additive CNS and respiratory depression. Because exposure persists for weeks, the risk of serious sedation continues after dosing.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine long-acting and Clonazepam?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use only when no alternative exists, with the lowest clonazepam dose and shortest duration. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression throughout the injection interval.
What other medicines interact with Clonazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clonazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Clonazepam page.
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