Drug interactions
Chlordiazepoxide + Diazepam
Severity: Major
Chlordiazepoxide and Diazepam: 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
These are both long-acting benzodiazepines with active metabolites, so combining them is therapeutic duplication with additive sedation and accumulation. Risk of respiratory depression, confusion and falls is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlordiazepoxide 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.
Chlordiazepoxide belongs to Central Nervous System; Diazepam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A receptor potentiation with overlapping long-acting active metabolites such as desmethyldiazepam.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use and consolidate to a single benzodiazepine at the lowest effective dose. If switching, taper one agent while monitoring sedation and withdrawal.
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 Diazepam
Other interactions of Chlordiazepoxide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlordiazepoxide with Diazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlordiazepoxide 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. These are both long-acting benzodiazepines with active metabolites, so combining them is therapeutic duplication with additive sedation and accumulation. Risk of respiratory depression, confusion and falls is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Chlordiazepoxide 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 concurrent use and consolidate to a single benzodiazepine at the lowest effective dose. If switching, taper one agent while monitoring sedation and withdrawal.
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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