Drug interactions
Oxazepam + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Contraindicated
Oxazepam and Sodium oxybate: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated
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 combined with a benzodiazepine causes additive CNS and respiratory depression, with risk of profound sedation, coma, and death. Labeling prohibits concomitant use with sedative hypnotics.
What this interaction means in plain words
Oxazepam and Sodium oxybate are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Oxazepam belongs to Central Nervous System; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via GABA-B agonism by oxybate and GABA-A potentiation by oxazepam.
What to do
Avoid the combination; choose an alternative to one of the agents. If unavoidable, monitor respiratory status closely.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Oxazepam
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 Oxazepam with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Oxazepam and Sodium oxybate are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Sodium oxybate combined with a benzodiazepine causes additive CNS and respiratory depression, with risk of profound sedation, coma, and death. Labeling prohibits concomitant use with sedative hypnotics.
How serious is the interaction between Oxazepam and Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination; choose an alternative to one of the agents. If unavoidable, monitor respiratory status closely.
What other medicines interact with Oxazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Alfentanil, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Oxazepam page.
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