Drug interactions
Tapentadol + Temazepam
Severity: Major
Tapentadol 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
Opioids combined with benzodiazepines can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Regulatory labeling carries a boxed warning for this combination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Tapentadol 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.
Tapentadol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Temazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression through opioid receptor and GABA-A receptor activity.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if both are needed, use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation. Counsel patients and caregivers about warning signs 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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Other interactions of Tapentadol
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Tapentadol Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tapentadol 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 Tapentadol with Temazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Tapentadol 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. Opioids combined with benzodiazepines can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Regulatory labeling carries a boxed warning for this combination.
How serious is the interaction between Tapentadol 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 the combination where possible; if both are needed, use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation. Counsel patients and caregivers about warning signs and consider naloxone.
What other medicines interact with Tapentadol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tapentadol with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid. The full list is on the Tapentadol page.
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