Are you taking these two common medications? Here’s why they could be deadly when combined!
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
The GrayVine community is no stranger to managing multiple medications. It's a part of life for many, especially as we navigate the complexities of health issues that come with age.
However, a recent study has raised a red flag that we all need to pay attention to: the combination of opioid painkillers and benzodiazepines, a duo commonly prescribed to millions, could be significantly increasing the risk of death.
Opioids and benzodiazepines are two powerful classes of medication. Opioids, such as oxycodone, Vicodin, codeine, and fentanyl, are often prescribed for pain relief.
Benzodiazepines, including Valium, Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin, are typically used to treat conditions like PTSD, anxiety, seizures, and insomnia.
Both types of drugs have a sedative effect on the body, slowing down various functions, including breathing.
When taken separately, they are already potent. But when combined, they can create a dangerous cocktail that significantly increases the risk of death, including from overdose and suicide.
A study focusing on veterans' health records revealed some concerning statistics. Individuals prescribed both opioids and benzodiazepines had a 71% increased risk of dying from any cause.
The research also indicated a 42% higher likelihood of death by suicide among patients taking both medications.
Despite these risks, the study found that 27% of veterans taking opioids were also prescribed benzodiazepines. This is particularly alarming given the high rates of opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions in the general population.
According to the CDC, there were about 125 million opioid prescriptions dispensed in 2023 alone, and the FDA reported approximately 92 million benzodiazepine prescriptions in 2019.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also noted that nearly 14% of all overdose deaths involving opioids in 2021 also involved benzodiazepines.
The FDA has responded to these findings by issuing Boxed Warnings, the strongest warning possible, on the labeling of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines.
They urge healthcare providers to limit the co-prescribing of these drugs and to educate patients and caregivers about the risks of slowed or difficult breathing and sedation.
For those of us in the GrayVine community, this is a critical reminder to review our medications with our healthcare providers. It's essential to discuss the potential risks of any drug combinations and to explore alternative treatments when possible.
In response to the growing concern over opioid prescriptions, the VA has implemented a new pain management protocol that focuses on treating the “veteran as a whole person.” This approach considers nutrition, physical exercise, sleep, and other factors rather than relying solely on pharmaceuticals.
Since the introduction of this holistic protocol, the VA has reported a significant decline in opioid prescriptions.
Source: Dr.B360 / Youtube.
In 2023, 289,000 veterans were prescribed opioids, a 67% reduction from the 875,000 a decade earlier.
If you or a loved one are currently taking opioids and benzodiazepines, here are some steps you can take:
1. Schedule a medication review: Talk to your doctor about all the medications you're taking and ask about the risks associated with combining opioids and benzodiazepines.
2. Explore alternatives: Discuss other pain management and anxiety treatment options that may not carry the same risks. The FDA has also given the green light to a new painkiller that curbs addiction risk.
3. Share your concerns: If you're worried about a friend or family member's medication regimen, encourage them to speak with their healthcare provider.
Source: Hospital for Special Surgery / Youtube.
Also read: The $7 billion Sackler & Purdue Pharma lawsuit exposed–Everything you need to know.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the combination of these medications? Do you have any tips for managing multiple prescriptions safely? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
The GrayVine community is no stranger to managing multiple medications. It's a part of life for many, especially as we navigate the complexities of health issues that come with age.
However, a recent study has raised a red flag that we all need to pay attention to: the combination of opioid painkillers and benzodiazepines, a duo commonly prescribed to millions, could be significantly increasing the risk of death.
Opioids and benzodiazepines are two powerful classes of medication. Opioids, such as oxycodone, Vicodin, codeine, and fentanyl, are often prescribed for pain relief.
Benzodiazepines, including Valium, Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin, are typically used to treat conditions like PTSD, anxiety, seizures, and insomnia.
Both types of drugs have a sedative effect on the body, slowing down various functions, including breathing.
When taken separately, they are already potent. But when combined, they can create a dangerous cocktail that significantly increases the risk of death, including from overdose and suicide.
Two commonly prescribed medications, opioids and benzodiazepines, when taken together, significantly increase the risk of death. Image source: Hospital for Special Surgery / Youtube.
A study focusing on veterans' health records revealed some concerning statistics. Individuals prescribed both opioids and benzodiazepines had a 71% increased risk of dying from any cause.
The research also indicated a 42% higher likelihood of death by suicide among patients taking both medications.
Despite these risks, the study found that 27% of veterans taking opioids were also prescribed benzodiazepines. This is particularly alarming given the high rates of opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions in the general population.
According to the CDC, there were about 125 million opioid prescriptions dispensed in 2023 alone, and the FDA reported approximately 92 million benzodiazepine prescriptions in 2019.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also noted that nearly 14% of all overdose deaths involving opioids in 2021 also involved benzodiazepines.
The FDA has responded to these findings by issuing Boxed Warnings, the strongest warning possible, on the labeling of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines.
They urge healthcare providers to limit the co-prescribing of these drugs and to educate patients and caregivers about the risks of slowed or difficult breathing and sedation.
For those of us in the GrayVine community, this is a critical reminder to review our medications with our healthcare providers. It's essential to discuss the potential risks of any drug combinations and to explore alternative treatments when possible.
In response to the growing concern over opioid prescriptions, the VA has implemented a new pain management protocol that focuses on treating the “veteran as a whole person.” This approach considers nutrition, physical exercise, sleep, and other factors rather than relying solely on pharmaceuticals.
Since the introduction of this holistic protocol, the VA has reported a significant decline in opioid prescriptions.
Source: Dr.B360 / Youtube.
In 2023, 289,000 veterans were prescribed opioids, a 67% reduction from the 875,000 a decade earlier.
If you or a loved one are currently taking opioids and benzodiazepines, here are some steps you can take:
1. Schedule a medication review: Talk to your doctor about all the medications you're taking and ask about the risks associated with combining opioids and benzodiazepines.
2. Explore alternatives: Discuss other pain management and anxiety treatment options that may not carry the same risks. The FDA has also given the green light to a new painkiller that curbs addiction risk.
3. Share your concerns: If you're worried about a friend or family member's medication regimen, encourage them to speak with their healthcare provider.
Source: Hospital for Special Surgery / Youtube.
Also read: The $7 billion Sackler & Purdue Pharma lawsuit exposed–Everything you need to know.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the combination of these medications? Do you have any tips for managing multiple prescriptions safely? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
