Drug interactions
Clonazepam + Oxazepam
Severity: Major
Clonazepam 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
Two benzodiazepines taken together produce additive CNS and respiratory depression without added therapeutic benefit in most cases. Risk of oversedation, falls, confusion and dependence is increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clonazepam 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.
Clonazepam belongs to Central Nervous System; Oxazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors.
What to do
Avoid concurrent long-term use of two benzodiazepines and consolidate to a single agent where possible. If overlap is needed, such as during a switch, use the lowest doses and monitor sedation and breathing.
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
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 Clonazepam with Oxazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clonazepam 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. Two benzodiazepines taken together produce additive CNS and respiratory depression without added therapeutic benefit in most cases. Risk of oversedation, falls, confusion and dependence is increased.
How serious is the interaction between Clonazepam 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 long-term use of two benzodiazepines and consolidate to a single agent where possible. If overlap is needed, such as during a switch, use the lowest doses and monitor sedation and breathing.
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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