900 Take precautions when benzodiazepines are used in combination with opioid medications. To reduce risk of acute withdrawal reactions, use a gradual dose taper when reducing dosage or discontinuing benzodiazepines. 900 Standardized screening tools are available ( ). 900Īssess a patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction. 900Ībuse and misuse can result in overdose or death, especially when benzodiazepines are combined with other medicines, such as opioid pain relievers, alcohol, or illicit drugs. Potential for Abuse, Addiction, and Other Serious RisksĪ boxed warning has been included in the prescribing information for all benzodiazepines describing risks of abuse, misuse, addiction, physical dependence, and withdrawal reactions. 700 703 (See Specific Drugs and Foods under Interactions.) Reserve concomitant use for patients in whom alternative treatment options are inadequate use lowest effective dosages and shortest possible duration of concomitant therapy and monitor closely for respiratory depression and sedation. Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opiates may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.

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