Skip to content

Drug interactions

Temazepam + Tramadol

Severity: Major

Temazepam and Tramadol: 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. Temazepam adds to tramadol's central depressant effects, and impairment of alertness and psychomotor skills is likely.

What this interaction means in plain words

Temazepam and Tramadol 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.

Temazepam belongs to Central Nervous System; Tramadol belongs to Musculoskeletal.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Additive CNS and respiratory depression via opioid and GABA-A receptor effects.

What to do

Avoid unless alternatives are inadequate; use the lowest doses for the shortest duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients to avoid alcohol and driving.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Temazepam and Tramadol, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Temazepam with Tramadol?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Temazepam and Tramadol 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. Temazepam adds to tramadol's central depressant effects, and impairment of alertness and psychomotor skills is likely.

How serious is the interaction between Temazepam and Tramadol?

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 for the shortest duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients to avoid alcohol and driving.

What other medicines interact with Tramadol?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Tramadol with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Tramadol page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in