Drug interactions
Clozapine + Oxazepam
Severity: Major
Clozapine and Oxazepam: 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 of benzodiazepines with clozapine has been associated with marked sedation, hypotension and, rarely, respiratory depression or collapse. Risk is highest during clozapine initiation and rapid dose titration.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clozapine 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.
Clozapine belongs to Central Nervous System; Oxazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with additive orthostatic hypotension from clozapine alpha-adrenergic blockade.
What to do
Avoid starting both together and titrate clozapine slowly with monitoring of blood pressure, sedation and respiration. Use the lowest oxazepam dose needed.
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 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
Other interactions of Clozapine
- Clozapine + Deferiprone Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Clozapine Major
- Adagrasib + Clozapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clozapine with Oxazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clozapine 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. Concurrent use of benzodiazepines with clozapine has been associated with marked sedation, hypotension and, rarely, respiratory depression or collapse. Risk is highest during clozapine initiation and rapid dose titration.
How serious is the interaction between Clozapine 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 starting both together and titrate clozapine slowly with monitoring of blood pressure, sedation and respiration. Use the lowest oxazepam dose needed.
What other medicines interact with Oxazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Oxazepam page.
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