Drug interactions
Chlordiazepoxide + Olanzapine
Severity: Major
Chlordiazepoxide and Olanzapine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Concurrent use increases sedation and can lower blood pressure, with orthostatic hypotension and respiratory depression reported, especially with parenteral olanzapine. Intramuscular olanzapine together with benzodiazepines warrants particular care.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlordiazepoxide and Olanzapine 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; Olanzapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through GABA-A potentiation and olanzapine's histaminic, alpha-adrenergic and other receptor antagonism.
What to do
Avoid giving parenteral olanzapine within a short time of a benzodiazepine; with oral use, start low and monitor sedation, blood pressure and respiration. Counsel about orthostatic dizziness.
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 Chlordiazepoxide
Other interactions of Olanzapine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlordiazepoxide with Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlordiazepoxide and Olanzapine 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. Concurrent use increases sedation and can lower blood pressure, with orthostatic hypotension and respiratory depression reported, especially with parenteral olanzapine. Intramuscular olanzapine together with benzodiazepines warrants particular care.
How serious is the interaction between Chlordiazepoxide and Olanzapine?
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 giving parenteral olanzapine within a short time of a benzodiazepine; with oral use, start low and monitor sedation, blood pressure and respiration. Counsel about orthostatic dizziness.
What other medicines interact with Chlordiazepoxide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlordiazepoxide with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Chlordiazepoxide page.
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