FDA Publishes Warning on Combining Opioids with Benzodiazepines

An FDA review has discovered a growing trend of combining two medicines that can result in dangerous side effects.

The agency advises against mixing opioid medications with benzodiazepines or other drugs that depress the central nervous system. Opioids are used to treat pain and cough; benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.

The FDA conducted and reviewed studies showing that serious side effects, including symptoms of unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.