Drug interactions
Secobarbital + Temazepam
Severity: Major
Secobarbital and Temazepam: major 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
Barbiturates and benzodiazepines both enhance GABA-mediated inhibition, so combined use increases sedation, cognitive and motor impairment, and the risk of respiratory depression. The risk is greater in older patients and with alcohol or other depressants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Secobarbital 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.
Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System; Temazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depressant effects through enhancement of GABA-A receptor activity at different binding sites.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use when possible; if unavoidable, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and monitor sedation and respiratory status. Counsel patients against driving and alcohol.
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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Other interactions of Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
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 Secobarbital with Temazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Secobarbital 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. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines both enhance GABA-mediated inhibition, so combined use increases sedation, cognitive and motor impairment, and the risk of respiratory depression. The risk is greater in older patients and with alcohol or other depressants.
How serious is the interaction between Secobarbital 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 concurrent use when possible; if unavoidable, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time and monitor sedation and respiratory status. Counsel patients against driving and alcohol.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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