Drug interactions
Clobazam + Methadone
Severity: Major
Clobazam and Methadone: 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
Concurrent opioids and benzodiazepines can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death, as stated in regulatory boxed warnings. Risk is greatest at higher doses and in patients with respiratory disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clobazam and Methadone 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.
Clobazam belongs to Central Nervous System; Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid receptor agonism and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Reserve the combination for patients without alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor respiratory status and sedation and consider naloxone availability.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Other interactions of Clobazam
- Amobarbital + Clobazam Major
- Buprenorphine + Clobazam Major
- Butorphanol + Clobazam Major
- Carisoprodol + Clobazam Major
- Chloral hydrate + Clobazam Major
- Clobazam + Clozapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clobazam with Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clobazam and Methadone 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 opioids and benzodiazepines can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death, as stated in regulatory boxed warnings. Risk is greatest at higher doses and in patients with respiratory disease.
How serious is the interaction between Clobazam and Methadone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reserve the combination for patients without alternatives, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor respiratory status and sedation and consider naloxone availability.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
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