U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning patients and their caregivers about the serious risks of taking opioids along with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressant medicines, including alcohol.

Serious risks include:        

• unusual dizziness or lightheadedness        
• extreme sleepiness        
• slowed or difficult breathing   
• coma        
• death

These risks result because both opioids and benzodiazepines impact the CNS, which controls most of the functions of the brain and body. 

Opioids are powerful prescription medicines that can help manage pain when other treatments and medicines cannot be taken or are not able to provide enough pain relief. They are also approved in combination with other medicines to reduce coughing.

Common side effects include:        

• drowsiness        
• dizziness       
• nausea       
• vomiting       
• constipation       
• slowed or difficult breathing

Opioids also carry serious risks, including misuse and abuse, addiction, overdose, and death.

Examples of opioids include:      

• oxycodone       
• hydrocodone      
• codeine      
• morphine 

Benzodiazepines are drugs prescribed for to treat conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. 

Examples of these drugs include:        

• alprazolam       
• clonazepam      
• lorazepam

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, and physical dependence. If you are taking both opioids and benzodiazepines together, consult your health care provider to see if continued combined use is needed. For more information, please see the FDA Drug Safety Communication.