Drug interactions
Clorazepate + Diazepam
Severity: Major
Clorazepate 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
Both are long-acting benzodiazepines, and clorazepate is converted to desmethyldiazepam, which is also a diazepam metabolite. Combining them duplicates therapy and increases the risk of oversedation, respiratory depression and falls.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clorazepate 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.
Clorazepate belongs to Central Nervous System; Diazepam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A potentiation with shared active metabolite desmethyldiazepam leading to accumulation.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use and keep to a single benzodiazepine at the lowest effective dose. If changing agents, taper and monitor for 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 Clorazepate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Clorazepate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Clorazepate Major
- Alprazolam + Clorazepate Major
- Amobarbital + Clorazepate Major
- Belladonna and opium + Clorazepate Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clorazepate with Diazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clorazepate 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. Both are long-acting benzodiazepines, and clorazepate is converted to desmethyldiazepam, which is also a diazepam metabolite. Combining them duplicates therapy and increases the risk of oversedation, respiratory depression and falls.
How serious is the interaction between Clorazepate 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 keep to a single benzodiazepine at the lowest effective dose. If changing agents, taper and monitor for 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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