Drug interactions
Morphine + Temazepam
Severity: Major
Morphine and Temazepam: 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
Concomitant use of a benzodiazepine with an opioid can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. This is the subject of a class boxed warning.
What this interaction means in plain words
Morphine and Temazepam 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; Temazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression via opioid receptors and GABA-A receptor potentiation.
What to do
Avoid unless alternatives are inadequate; use the lowest doses and shortest duration with monitoring of sedation and breathing. Counsel patients to avoid alcohol and consider 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 Morphine
- Alvimopan + Morphine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Morphine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Morphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Morphine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Morphine Major
Other interactions of Temazepam
- Alprazolam + Temazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Temazepam Major
- Buprenorphine + Temazepam Major
- Butorphanol + Temazepam Major
- Carisoprodol + Temazepam Major
- Chloral hydrate + Temazepam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Morphine with Temazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Morphine and Temazepam 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. Concomitant use of a benzodiazepine with an opioid can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. This is the subject of a class boxed warning.
How serious is the interaction between Morphine and Temazepam?
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 unless alternatives are inadequate; use the lowest doses and shortest duration with monitoring of sedation and breathing. Counsel patients to avoid alcohol and consider naloxone.
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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