Drug interactions
Diazepam + Morphine
Severity: Major
Diazepam and Morphine: 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
Concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Regulators have issued boxed warnings for this class combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diazepam and Morphine 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.
Diazepam belongs to Musculoskeletal; Morphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via opioid receptor and GABA-A receptor effects.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use unless alternatives are inadequate; if used, limit doses and duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients and caregivers on warning signs.
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 Morphine
- Alvimopan + Morphine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Morphine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Morphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Morphine Major
Other interactions of Diazepam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diazepam with Morphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diazepam and Morphine 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 opioid and benzodiazepine use can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Regulators have issued boxed warnings for this class combination.
How serious is the interaction between Diazepam and Morphine?
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 unless alternatives are inadequate; if used, limit doses and duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients and caregivers on warning signs.
What other medicines interact with Morphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Morphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Morphine page.
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