STOP — Contraindicated
FDA Black Box Warning — use together only when alternatives are inadequate.
Evidence level: STRONG
Hydrocodone combined with diazepam (Valium) is extremely dangerous. Both suppress your breathing center in the brain. This combination has the FDA strongest warning because it can be fatal.
Combined CNS depression: opioid mu-receptor agonism plus GABA-A receptor potentiation. FDA Black Box Warning.
Avoid combining. If your doctor prescribes both, use the lowest possible doses. Never add alcohol. Have naloxone available.
Take Diazepam only as prescribed — benzodiazepines carry dependence risk and should not be adjusted without medical guidance. Hydrocodone at a separate time. Benzodiazepines cause sedation — avoid combining with other sedating substances. Never increase dose without medical guidance.
Risk increases with higher doses of either substance, older age, liver or kidney impairment, and concurrent use of other serotonergic or CNS-depressant substances.
Profound drowsiness, dangerously slow breathing, loss of consciousness, bluish discoloration
Ask about physical therapy or non-opioid pain options. Discuss non-benzodiazepine anxiety treatments like buspirone or SSRIs.
Opioid combinations carry serious risks including respiratory depression. Talk to your pain management specialist about non-opioid alternatives: physical therapy, NSAIDs (if appropriate), nerve blocks, or non-sedating supplements like PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) or curcumin for inflammation.
Hydrocodone combined with diazepam (Valium) is extremely dangerous. Both suppress your breathing center in the brain. This combination has the FDA strongest warning because it can be fatal.
Take Diazepam only as prescribed — benzodiazepines carry dependence risk and should not be adjusted without medical guidance. Hydrocodone at a separate time. Benzodiazepines cause sedation — avoid combining with other sedating substances. Never increase dose without medical guidance.
Profound drowsiness, dangerously slow breathing, loss of consciousness, bluish discoloration
Opioid combinations carry serious risks including respiratory depression. Talk to your pain management specialist about non-opioid alternatives: physical therapy, NSAIDs (if appropriate), nerve blocks, or non-sedating supplements like PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) or curcumin for inflammation.
Ask about physical therapy or non-opioid pain options. Discuss non-benzodiazepine anxiety treatments like buspirone or SSRIs.
Or browse the full interaction database (121,000+ pairs).