Drug interactions
Flurazepam + Tapentadol
Severity: Major
Flurazepam and Tapentadol: 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
Flurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic with active metabolites. Together with tapentadol it can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Flurazepam and Tapentadol 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression through GABA-A potentiation and mu-opioid agonism.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible; otherwise use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Take particular care in older adults because of flurazepam's long-lasting metabolites.
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 Tapentadol
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tapentadol Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Flurazepam with Tapentadol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Flurazepam and Tapentadol 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. Flurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic with active metabolites. Together with tapentadol it can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
How serious is the interaction between Flurazepam and Tapentadol?
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 combining where possible; otherwise use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Take particular care in older adults because of flurazepam's long-lasting metabolites.
What other medicines interact with Tapentadol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tapentadol with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid. The full list is on the Tapentadol page.
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