Drug interactions
Lorazepam + Methadone
Severity: Major
Lorazepam and Methadone: 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 a benzodiazepine with methadone causes additive CNS and respiratory depression. This can lead to profound sedation, respiratory failure, coma or death, and regulators have issued boxed warnings for opioid-benzodiazepine use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lorazepam and Methadone 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; Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via opioid and GABA-A receptor effects.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use where possible; if necessary, use the lowest doses for the shortest time and monitor breathing and sedation. Counsel patients and caregivers and provide naloxone.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Other interactions of Lorazepam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lorazepam with Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lorazepam and Methadone 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 methadone causes additive CNS and respiratory depression. This can lead to profound sedation, respiratory failure, coma or death, and regulators have issued boxed warnings for opioid-benzodiazepine use.
How serious is the interaction between Lorazepam and Methadone?
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 concurrent use where possible; if necessary, use the lowest doses for the shortest time and monitor breathing and sedation. Counsel patients and caregivers and provide naloxone.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
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