Drug interactions
Lorazepam + Loxapine
Severity: Major
Lorazepam and Loxapine: 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
Loxapine is an antipsychotic, and with lorazepam it produces additive sedation. The inhaled loxapine label warns of respiratory depression and hypotension, notably with benzodiazepines.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lorazepam and Loxapine 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.
Lorazepam belongs to Central Nervous System; Loxapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from GABA-A potentiation and loxapine's dopamine, histamine and alpha-adrenergic blockade.
What to do
Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure and sedation, particularly with parenteral or inhaled loxapine. Use reduced doses in the elderly and in patients with respiratory disease.
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 Lorazepam
Other interactions of Loxapine
- Alfentanil + Loxapine Major
- Alprazolam + Loxapine Major
- Amisulpride + Loxapine Major
- Amoxapine + Loxapine Major
- Apomorphine + Loxapine Major
- Belladonna and opium + Loxapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lorazepam with Loxapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lorazepam and Loxapine 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. Loxapine is an antipsychotic, and with lorazepam it produces additive sedation. The inhaled loxapine label warns of respiratory depression and hypotension, notably with benzodiazepines.
How serious is the interaction between Lorazepam and Loxapine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure and sedation, particularly with parenteral or inhaled loxapine. Use reduced doses in the elderly and in patients with respiratory disease.
What other medicines interact with Lorazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lorazepam with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Lorazepam page.
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