Drug interactions
Pregabalin + Quazepam
Severity: Major
Pregabalin and Quazepam: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Quazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic, and pregabalin adds further CNS depression. The combination can cause pronounced sedation, next-day impairment, falls and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pregabalin and Quazepam 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.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS and respiratory depression via GABA-A potentiation and alpha-2-delta calcium channel modulation.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or use the lowest effective doses and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Be especially careful in older patients and those with lung disease.
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
- Alzain 100 mg Capsules, Hard - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: central nervous system (CNS) depressant medicinal products; "there are reports of respiratory failure, coma and deaths in patients taking pregabalin and opioids and/or other central nervous system (CNS) depressant medicin") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Pregabalin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pregabalin with Quazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pregabalin and Quazepam 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. Quazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic, and pregabalin adds further CNS depression. The combination can cause pronounced sedation, next-day impairment, falls and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Pregabalin and Quazepam?
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, or use the lowest effective doses and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Be especially careful in older patients and those with lung disease.
What other medicines interact with Pregabalin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pregabalin with, for example, Alprazolam, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Pregabalin page.
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