Drug interactions
Morphine + Oxazepam
Severity: Major
Morphine and Oxazepam: 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
Concurrent opioids and benzodiazepines can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death, and regulators carry a boxed warning for this. Oxazepam has no active metabolites but the pharmacodynamic risk remains.
What this interaction means in plain words
Morphine and Oxazepam 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.
Morphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Oxazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Synergistic CNS and respiratory depression via opioid and GABA-A receptor activity.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if necessary, use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients and caregivers about warning signs.
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 Morphine
- Alvimopan + Morphine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Morphine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Morphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Morphine Major
Other interactions of Oxazepam
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxazepam Contraindicated
- Oxazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Oxazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Oxazepam Major
- Baclofen + Oxazepam Major
- Belladonna and opium + Oxazepam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Morphine with Oxazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Morphine and Oxazepam 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. Concurrent opioids and benzodiazepines can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death, and regulators carry a boxed warning for this. Oxazepam has no active metabolites but the pharmacodynamic risk remains.
How serious is the interaction between Morphine and Oxazepam?
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 necessary, use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients and caregivers about warning signs.
What other medicines interact with Morphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Morphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Morphine page.
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