Using more than one drug on any one occasion (poly-drug use) increases the risk of complications and serious side effects. This can include alcohol, prescription and/or illicit drugs. Using benzos in combination with other depressants (e.g. alcohol, heroin and other opiates), stimulants (e.g. cocaine and ecstasy) or other drugs such as cannabis or antidepressants can increase the side effects of each drug or cause unexpected and unwanted complications, SUCH AS unconsciousness, respiratory failure and death.
If you are prescribed benzodiazepines, it is important to tell your doctor about any other drugs you are taking (including prescription and over-the-counter drugs). Some types of benzodiazepines may influence the effects of cardiac and anticonvulsant medications. Taking another drug while still affected by benzos can be very dangerous. The drugs and their effects can interact and be unpredictable or exaggerated.
For example, oral contraceptives (the pill) may increase or decrease the effectiveness of benzodiazepines, depending on the type of benzodiazepine being taken. Combining these drugs can also cause menstrual problems (e.g. irregular menstrual cycle) and impaired psychomotor skills (e.g. poor coordination and judgement).