Drug interactions
Lorazepam + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Lorazepam and Secobarbital: 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
Barbiturates and benzodiazepines together cause marked additive sedation and can lead to profound respiratory depression, coma or death, particularly in overdose or with alcohol. Chronic barbiturate use may also modestly reduce benzodiazepine exposure through enzyme induction, but lorazepam is less affected as it is glucuronidated.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lorazepam and Secobarbital 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; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A mediated CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, use reduced doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and level of consciousness. Warn patients to avoid alcohol and other depressants.
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 Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lorazepam with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lorazepam and Secobarbital 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. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines together cause marked additive sedation and can lead to profound respiratory depression, coma or death, particularly in overdose or with alcohol. Chronic barbiturate use may also modestly reduce benzodiazepine exposure through enzyme induction, but lorazepam is less affected as it is glucuronidated.
How serious is the interaction between Lorazepam and Secobarbital?
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 the combination where possible; if needed, use reduced doses and monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and level of consciousness. Warn patients to avoid alcohol and other depressants.
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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