Drug interactions
Diazepam + Oxazepam
Severity: Moderate
Diazepam and Oxazepam: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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
Using two benzodiazepines together increases sedation, impaired coordination and the risk of respiratory depression without clear therapeutic benefit. Oxazepam is also an active metabolite of diazepam, so exposure is duplicated.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diazepam and Oxazepam can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Diazepam belongs to Musculoskeletal; Oxazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A receptor mediated CNS depression.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use and consolidate to a single benzodiazepine at the lowest effective dose. If overlap is unavoidable, monitor sedation and respiratory status.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Diazepam
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diazepam with Oxazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diazepam and Oxazepam can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Using two benzodiazepines together increases sedation, impaired coordination and the risk of respiratory depression without clear therapeutic benefit. Oxazepam is also an active metabolite of diazepam, so exposure is duplicated.
How serious is the interaction between Diazepam and Oxazepam?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use and consolidate to a single benzodiazepine at the lowest effective dose. If overlap is unavoidable, monitor sedation and respiratory status.
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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