FDA warns against combining opioids and benzodiazepines

The FDA has issued a warning regarding the combined use of opioids and benzodiazepines, which may result in serious adverse effects such as difficult or slowed breathing and death, according to a press release from the agency.The agency will add Boxed Warnings, its strongest warning, to the labeling of opioids and benzodiazepines, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydrocodone cough syrups, alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, and lorazepam, among others. Their actions are consistent with previous clinical guidelines and warnings issued by the CDC.