When lorazepam is given with morphine, the effect is

When lorazepam is given with morphine, the effect is

• A. Diminished
• B. Unchanged
• C. Potentiated
• D. Antagonized

Answer: (C)

Potentiation of central nervous system depression occurs when a benzodiazepine like lorazepam is given with an opioid such as morphine. Lorazepam enhances GABAergic inhibition, increasing CNS inhibition, while morphine diminishes CNS activity and respiratory drive via mu receptors. Together, their sedative and respiratory-depressant effects add up, leading to deeper sedation and a higher risk of respiratory depression than either drug alone. This is why the combined effect is potentiated. The other options imply less or no interaction or opposite effects, which doesn’t fit how these two CNS depressants interact.

Potentiation of central nervous system depression occurs when a benzodiazepine like lorazepam is given with an opioid such as morphine. Lorazepam enhances GABAergic inhibition, increasing CNS inhibition, while morphine diminishes CNS activity and respiratory drive via mu receptors. Together, their sedative and respiratory-depressant effects add up, leading to deeper sedation and a higher risk of respiratory depression than either drug alone. This is why the combined effect is potentiated. The other options imply less or no interaction or opposite effects, which doesn’t fit how these two CNS depressants interact.