Drug interactions
Lorazepam + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Major
Lorazepam and Sodium oxybate: 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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant and combining it with lorazepam increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lorazepam and Sodium oxybate 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; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via GABA-B/GHB receptor activity and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use when possible; if unavoidable use the lowest doses and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation. Consider alternative anxiolytic or sleep treatment.
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 Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lorazepam with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lorazepam and Sodium oxybate 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. Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant and combining it with lorazepam increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
How serious is the interaction between Lorazepam and Sodium oxybate?
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 when possible; if unavoidable use the lowest doses and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation. Consider alternative anxiolytic or sleep treatment.
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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