Drug interactions
Chlordiazepoxide + Oxazepam
Severity: Major
Chlordiazepoxide 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
Taking two benzodiazepines together adds to sedation, psychomotor impairment and respiratory depression without adding therapeutic benefit. Risk is higher in older adults and in those with lung disease or other sedative exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlordiazepoxide 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.
Chlordiazepoxide belongs to Central Nervous System; Oxazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors by two benzodiazepines.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of two benzodiazepines except for a planned switch or taper. Monitor sedation and respiratory status during any overlap.
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 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 Chlordiazepoxide with Oxazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlordiazepoxide 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. Taking two benzodiazepines together adds to sedation, psychomotor impairment and respiratory depression without adding therapeutic benefit. Risk is higher in older adults and in those with lung disease or other sedative exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Chlordiazepoxide 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 concurrent use of two benzodiazepines except for a planned switch or taper. Monitor sedation and respiratory status during any overlap.
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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