Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Oxazepam
Severity: Major
Fentanyl and Oxazepam: major 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
Combining a benzodiazepine with an opioid produces additive sedation and respiratory depression, with a risk of coma and death. Regulators have issued boxed warnings about this class combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl and Oxazepam 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.
Fentanyl belongs to Musculoskeletal; Oxazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression through opioid and GABA-A receptor effects.
What to do
Avoid unless alternatives are inadequate, and then use the lowest doses for the shortest duration. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and counsel patients and caregivers about 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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Other interactions of Fentanyl
- Alvimopan + Fentanyl Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Fentanyl Major
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 Fentanyl with Oxazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fentanyl and Oxazepam 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 a benzodiazepine with an opioid produces additive sedation and respiratory depression, with a risk of coma and death. Regulators have issued boxed warnings about this class combination.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl and Oxazepam?
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 unless alternatives are inadequate, and then use the lowest doses for the shortest duration. Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and counsel patients and caregivers about warning signs.
What other medicines interact with Fentanyl?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fentanyl with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Fentanyl page.
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