Drug interactions
Eszopiclone + Oxycodone
Severity: Major
Eszopiclone and Oxycodone: 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 oxycodone with eszopiclone produces additive central nervous system and respiratory depression. This can lead to profound sedation, low blood pressure, slowed breathing, complex sleep behaviors, coma or death, particularly in older or debilitated patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Eszopiclone and Oxycodone 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.
Eszopiclone belongs to Central Nervous System; Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS depression from opioid receptor agonism and GABA-A positive modulation.
What to do
Reserve the combination for patients with no adequate alternatives, using the lowest effective doses and shortest duration. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and counsel patients to avoid alcohol and driving.
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 Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Other interactions of Eszopiclone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Eszopiclone with Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Eszopiclone and Oxycodone 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 oxycodone with eszopiclone produces additive central nervous system and respiratory depression. This can lead to profound sedation, low blood pressure, slowed breathing, complex sleep behaviors, coma or death, particularly in older or debilitated patients.
How serious is the interaction between Eszopiclone and Oxycodone?
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 the combination for patients with no adequate alternatives, using the lowest effective doses and shortest duration. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and counsel patients to avoid alcohol and driving.
What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.
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