Drug interactions
Diamorphine + Diazepam
Severity: Major
Diamorphine 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
Diamorphine (heroin) combined with diazepam can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Opioid-benzodiazepine combinations are a leading contributor to overdose deaths.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diamorphine 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via opioid receptor agonism and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Avoid unless necessary, such as in palliative care; use the lowest doses and monitor respiratory rate and sedation closely.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diamorphine with Diazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diamorphine 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. Diamorphine (heroin) combined with diazepam can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Opioid-benzodiazepine combinations are a leading contributor to overdose deaths.
How serious is the interaction between Diamorphine 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 unless necessary, such as in palliative care; use the lowest doses and monitor respiratory rate and sedation closely.
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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