the main issue that I'm unsure of is respiratory depression
Great point.
I would like to add that an "over-dose" (taking more than the prescribed dosage) of gabapentinoids - mainly pregabalin - has worried my wife a few time. She has woken me up, asked about it the next day (if remembered) and expressed her worries about my "breathing problems" when asleep. Come to think about it it has happened on a prescribed dose of 150mg pregabalin... this seems to be more of an issue if I take it before bed and I think that the effects "kick in" while I am in a deeper sleep state which maybe causes the respiratory issues... IDK for sure just conjecture as aforementioned. If I dose pregabalin earlier - say 12 noon - by 4 or 5 pm I'm feeling it and this will last ~24 hours usually with no reported worries from SO about breathing patterns.
Benzos (
real ones) do no have as much effect on my respiration no matter time or dose taken. My breathing, heartbeat and blood-pressure are naturally in the low range for human and it would have to be noticeably out of character or out of sync for wife to bring it up. She never has with benzos.
Now... a coupla times mixing heavier opioid and benzo cocktails has seen her by my side performing some kinda magical recovery rites that sees me back on my feel and prowling for food. It was a dark time and we have healed although scarred again. I swear if it wasn't for her I
may have seen my age thirty prediction of end-of-life or expiration. Who knows but I do know what I know.

This cmbo has had me closer to deaths door than any other... may have crossed and came back? Maybe I am still there? Maybe I am everywhere? WTF?
All that to say that mixing anything can create a potentially deadly mix. If everyone has different experiences with the same substance who is to say what is and what is not a "safe" dosage for any/all. Even our professional prescribers get it wrong and there is loss of life; just sayin. Obviously what "works" for me may or may not work for others and it
could be toxic or fatal to all....

Maybe all this should be in a personal trip report but just sharing examples and experiences. Do not take any of what I post (other than harm reduction content) as a gospel other dilly-dalliance; it is only words dredged up from a dusty, dark and spooky closet-corner.
Be safe and stick around?
Not sure if any welcome was performed or not but would like to offer that warmly. Thanks for bringing this up as it and KR reply has brought some memories back that must be dealt with. It is about time and am grateful to you both.
Always
