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SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
If You are Taking Benzodiazepines and Opioids
• If you are taking both benzodiazepines and opioids, you may
be at increased risk for complications, including overdose.
» Consider talking to your healthcare provider about strategies to
reduce your risks.
• You and your family members should keep opioid overdose
reversal medication (e.g., Narcan/naloxone) on hand.
• Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose. It is available with
a healthcare provider's prescription or without a prescription
for purchase at many local pharmacies. Naloxone may also be
distributed for free by community groups or your local health
department.
If You Have or May Have a Substance Use Disorder
• You may have a substance use disorder if:
» You are continuing to take a substance despite its negative
impact on your health, job, or relationships.
» You are taking prescription medication more frequently or in
larger doses than prescribed.
» You are taking prescription medication to feel pleasure or
enjoyment.
» You would like to stop or reduce substance use but find that
you can't (e.g., because of cravings).
» You're considering buying pills from the internet or a dealer.
Pills purchased outside a pharmacy can contain fentanyl and
put you at risk for overdose and death.
• Talk with your healthcare provider if you're concerned about
your substance use. They may assess you for a substance
use disorder or refer you to another healthcare provider for
assessment.
• If you have a substance use disorder:
» Your healthcare provider may assess the risks and benefits of
continued benzodiazepine use more frequently.
» You should receive treatment for the underlying substance use
disorder while you are tapering the benzodiazepine.
» Your healthcare provider should coordinate care with a
substance use disorder treatment provider.
