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# FDA Backs Use of Opioid Addiction Drugs Despite Risks
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/fda-backs-use-of-opioid-addiction-drugs-despite-risks/
- Published: 2017-09-20T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T22:51:45.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5139669

An FDA [safety alert](https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm575307.htm?ref=fdaweb.com) says that opioid addiction medications buprenorphine and methadone should continue to be given to patients taking benzodiazepines or other drugs that depress the central nervous system, even though their combined use increases the risk of serious side effects. The agency contends that the harm caused by untreated opioid addiction can outweigh these risks. “We are requiring this information to be added to the buprenorphine and methadone drug labels along with detailed recommendations for minimizing the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) drugs and benzodiazepines together,” the alert says.