Drug interactions
Diazepam + Nalbuphine
Severity: Major
Diazepam and Nalbuphine: 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
Combining an opioid with a benzodiazepine increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Regulators have issued warnings about concurrent use of these classes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diazepam and Nalbuphine 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; Nalbuphine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via opioid receptor and GABA-A receptor modulation.
What to do
Reserve concurrent use for patients without alternatives, using the lowest effective doses and shortest duration. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression.
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 Nalbuphine
- Alvimopan + Nalbuphine Contraindicated
- Nalbuphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Nalbuphine Major
- Amobarbital + Nalbuphine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Nalbuphine Major
- Brexanolone + Nalbuphine Major
Other interactions of Diazepam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diazepam with Nalbuphine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Diazepam and Nalbuphine 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. Combining an opioid with a benzodiazepine increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Regulators have issued warnings about concurrent use of these classes.
How serious is the interaction between Diazepam and Nalbuphine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reserve concurrent use for patients without alternatives, using the lowest effective doses and shortest duration. Monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Nalbuphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nalbuphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Alprazolam. The full list is on the Nalbuphine page.
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