Opioid + benzodiazepine

Interaction at a glance

• Avoid routine combination when possible
• If needed: lowest doses + close monitoring

Mechanism

• Effects are synergistic, not just additive
• Naloxone access is prudent

Clinical consequence

• Both depress CNS + respiratory drive
• Overdose/sedation/fall risk rises sharply

Monitoring

• Avoid routine combination when possible
• If needed: lowest doses + close monitoring

Self-check

• What is the main clinical risk of Opioid + benzodiazepine?
  Overdose/sedation/fall risk rises sharply.
• What is the preferred management of Opioid + benzodiazepine?
  Avoid routine combination when possible.
• Should Opioid + benzodiazepine generally be combined?
  No—avoid the combination when feasible.

Drugs in this interaction (54)

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