Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Temazepam
Severity: Major
Fentanyl and Temazepam: 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
Opioids combined with benzodiazepines such as temazepam can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. This is a boxed-warning interaction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl and Temazepam 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; Temazepam 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 no alternatives exist; if combined, use the lowest doses for the shortest time and monitor respiration and sedation. Educate patients and caregivers on overdose 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 Temazepam
- Alprazolam + Temazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Temazepam Major
- Buprenorphine + Temazepam Major
- Butorphanol + Temazepam Major
- Carisoprodol + Temazepam Major
- Chloral hydrate + Temazepam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl with Temazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fentanyl and Temazepam 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. Opioids combined with benzodiazepines such as temazepam can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. This is a boxed-warning interaction.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl and Temazepam?
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 no alternatives exist; if combined, use the lowest doses for the shortest time and monitor respiration and sedation. Educate patients and caregivers on overdose 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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