Combining Lorazepam and Oxycodone is a major interaction and should generally be avoided without close medical supervision.
The combination significantly increases the risk of severe respiratory depression, which can lead to hypoxemia, apnea, and death. Patients may experience profound sedation, somnolence, dizziness, and impaired psychomotor function. Other serious effects include coma and hypotension.
Mechanism: Oxycodone, an opioid agonist, primarily acts on mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), leading to dose-dependent CNS depression, including respiratory depression and sedation. Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, enhances the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at GABA-A receptors, also causing CNS depression, sedation, and respiratory depression. The concurrent use of these two classes of drugs results in an additive and synergistic CNS depressant effect, profoundly increasing the risk of severe adverse outcomes.
Lorazepam vs. Oxycodone
Compare Lorazepam and Oxycodone: mechanism of action, indications, side effects, cost, and which may be right for you.
Quick Comparison
| Category | Lorazepam | Oxycodone |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Benzodiazepines | Opioid Analgesics |
| Rx Status | Rx | Rx |
| Generic Available | No | No |
| Typical Cost | $10–$50/month | $200–$600/month |
Lorazepam Overview
Lorazepam is a prescription medication used to help manage anxiety disorders and provide short-term relief from anxiety symptoms. It works by calming the brain and nerves, which can help reduce feelings of worry and tension.
Full Lorazepam guide →Oxycodone Overview
OXYCODONE (brand name: Oxycodone Hydrochloride) is a Opioid Analgesics. 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Oxycodone hydrochloride (HCl) tablets are indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, which can…
Full Oxycodone guide →How Each Drug Works
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a full opioid agonist and is relatively selective for the mu-opioid receptor, although it can bind to other opioid receptors at higher doses. The principal therapeutic action of oxycodone is analgesia. Like all full opioid agonists, there is no ceiling effect for analgesia with oxycodone. Clinically, dosage is titrated to provide adequate analgesia and may be limited by adverse reactions, including respiratory and CNS depression. The precise mechanism of the…
Approved Uses (Indications)
Lorazepam
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Lorazepam tablets are indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic. The effectiveness of lorazepam tablets in long-term use, that is, more than 4 months, has not been assessed by systematic clinical studies. The physician should periodically reassess the usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone hydrochloride (HCl) tablets are indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, which can occur at any dosage or duration [see Warnings and Precautions ] , reserve oxycodone HCl tablets for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options (e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products): Have not been tolerated or are not expected to be tolerated, Have not provided a…
Side Effects
Lorazepam
Oxycodone
Cost Comparison
Lorazepam
$10–$50/month
Lorazepam is a widely available generic, making it relatively inexpensive. Patients can often find significant savings by using discount cards or comparing prices at different pharmacies.
Oxycodone
$200–$600/month
As a brand-name medication, costs can be high without insurance. Manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs may offer significant savings.
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.