Benzodiazepine & Oxycodon

Critical Risk: Combined respiratory depression

Critical RiskClass-based

Risk Assessment

Critical Risk

Oxycodone is an opioid that depresses breathing, and benzodiazepines add further central nervous system depression. Used together they can produce more-than-additive respiratory depression, deep sedation and loss of consciousness. This opioid–benzodiazepine combination is a well-recognised contributor to fatal overdoses.

Pharmacological Mechanism

μ-Opioid-Agonismus + GABA-A-Potenzierung = synergistische Hemmung des Atemzentrums

Mechanism data is language-neutral pharmacological notation.

Substance Profiles

Benzodiazepine

Depressiva

Positive allosterische Modulation am GABA-A-Rezeptor

GABA-A

Oxycodon

Opioide

μ-Opioid-Agonistκ-Opioid-Agonist

μ-Opioidκ-Opioid

Evidence Base

Curated Interaction DataAvailable

Data ProvenanceClass-based

Community Mentions0

Shared Receptors0

Sources

Safer Use Guidelines

Combining an opioid such as oxycodone with a benzodiazepine substantially increases the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression.
Slow or irregular breathing, pinpoint pupils, or inability to wake the person require immediate emergency care; naloxone can reverse the opioid component and emergency services should always be called.
The risk is present even at amounts that might feel manageable individually, because the depressant effects combine.

This page is based on curated pharmacological data and/or community signals. It is intended for scientific education and harm reduction only. It does not replace professional medical advice. Not all interactions are covered — always consult a healthcare professional when in doubt. In emergencies, call your local emergency number.

Laden…