benzodiazepine
9 interactions related to benzodiazepine
clonazepam + passionflower
Passionflower contains constituents that bind GABA-A receptors and may enhance the binding activity of benzodiazepines at those receptors. Combined with clonazepam, the effect is additive central nervous system depression and increased sedation.
lorazepam + valerian
Valerian root contains valerenic acid and other compounds that modulate GABA-A receptor activity. Combined with lorazepam, a benzodiazepine that also enhances GABA signaling, the effect is additive CNS depression with increased risk of severe drowsiness, confusion, and impaired coordination.
diazepam + kava
Kava's kavalactones bind GABA-A receptors and produce additive central nervous system depression when combined with diazepam, a long-acting benzodiazepine. Concurrent use is not recommended due to risk of excessive sedation, impaired coordination, and potential additive hepatotoxicity.
alprazolam + melatonin
Melatonin and alprazolam both promote sleep and can produce additive sedation, impaired alertness, and reduced motor coordination when used together. The combination may increase next-day drowsiness and risk during activities like driving.
alprazolam + kava
Kava contains kavalactones that potentiate GABA-A receptor binding, producing additive CNS depression when combined with alprazolam, a benzodiazepine that also enhances GABA-A activity. A published case report describes a 54-year-old man who became semi-comatose after taking alprazolam with kava for three days.
alcohol + alprazolam
Alcohol and alprazolam (Xanax) both depress the central nervous system through GABA-A receptor potentiation, producing additive sedation, profound respiratory depression, and impaired psychomotor function. The combination significantly increases risk of overdose death, even at moderate doses of each substance.
alcohol + diazepam
Diazepam (Valium) and alcohol are both GABA-A receptor positive allosteric modulators, producing additive and supra-additive CNS depression with profound risk of respiratory depression, coma, and death. Diazepam's long half-life and active metabolites extend the window of dangerous interaction far beyond the dosing interval.
alprazolam + grapefruit
Grapefruit juice contains furanocoumarins that inhibit intestinal CYP3A4, the enzyme that partially metabolizes alprazolam. The interaction can raise alprazolam blood levels and prolong sedation, although the magnitude is modest compared to other benzodiazepines because alprazolam has high oral bioavailability.
hot chocolate + sleep medications
Hot chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, methylxanthines that antagonize adenosine receptors. Because zolpidem, eszopiclone, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives work in part by amplifying inhibitory neurotransmission, evening hot chocolate can partially blunt their sedative effect and worsen sleep onset and maintenance.