Opioids and benzodiazepines are two different categories of prescription medicines, but both can affect the central nervous system can opioids and benzodiazepines be taken together.
Opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone can cause sedation and respiratory depression. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, diazepam and lorazepam can also cause sedation.
FDA warns that combining opioids and benzodiazepines can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
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This is particularly important for people who search online for medicines. Using phrases such as “buy Xanax online” or “buy pills and opioids online.” Unregulated sellers may not provide accurate information about ingredients, strength or interactions.
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A legitimate healthcare professional should know about all medicines. A patient takes, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, supplements and alcohol use.
Patients should never combine medications simply because both were prescribed at different times. A pharmacist or clinician can check the complete medication list for potential interactions.
If someone taking an opioid or sedative develops severe sleepiness, difficulty waking or slowed or difficult breathing, emergency medical assistance is appropriate.
Medication safety depends not only on the individual medicine but also on the combination of substances being used.