Drug interactions
Diazepam + Fentanyl transdermal
Severity: Major
Diazepam and Fentanyl transdermal: 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
Benzodiazepines taken with opioids cause additive sedation and respiratory depression. The risk of profound sedation, coma and death is increased, particularly in opioid-naive, elderly or debilitated patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diazepam and Fentanyl transdermal 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 through opioid receptor agonism and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if both are needed, limit doses and duration and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation. Counsel patients and caregivers on warning signs and consider naloxone.
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 Diazepam with Fentanyl transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diazepam and Fentanyl transdermal 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. Benzodiazepines taken with opioids cause additive sedation and respiratory depression. The risk of profound sedation, coma and death is increased, particularly in opioid-naive, elderly or debilitated patients.
How serious is the interaction between Diazepam and Fentanyl transdermal?
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 if possible; if both are needed, limit doses and duration and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation. Counsel patients and caregivers on warning signs and consider naloxone.
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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