Drug interactions
Alprazolam + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate
Severity: Minor
Alprazolam and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Ethinyl estradiol-containing contraceptives can slightly reduce the clearance of alprazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate. This may lead to somewhat stronger or longer-lasting sedation and psychomotor impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Alprazolam and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Alprazolam belongs to Central Nervous System; Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Estrogen may weakly inhibit CYP3A4-mediated oxidative metabolism of alprazolam.
What to do
Usually no dose change is required; counsel the patient about additive drowsiness and reduce the alprazolam dose if excess sedation develops.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate
Other interactions of Alprazolam
- Alprazolam + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Alprazolam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Alprazolam with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Alprazolam and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Ethinyl estradiol-containing contraceptives can slightly reduce the clearance of alprazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate. This may lead to somewhat stronger or longer-lasting sedation and psychomotor impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Alprazolam and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Usually no dose change is required; counsel the patient about additive drowsiness and reduce the alprazolam dose if excess sedation develops.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with, for example, Aminocaproic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate page.
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