Drug interactions
Amitriptyline + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Amitriptyline and Zolpidem: moderate 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
Amitriptyline is sedating and, combined with zolpidem, increases drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. Complex sleep behaviors and confusion may be more likely in vulnerable patients, and falls are a concern in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amitriptyline and Zolpidem can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Amitriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from GABA-A potentiation and tricyclic H1, muscarinic and alpha-1 blockade.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and counsel on next-day impairment and driving. Monitor sedation and confusion, particularly in elderly patients.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Zolpidem
Other interactions of Amitriptyline
- Amitriptyline + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amitriptyline with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amitriptyline and Zolpidem can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Amitriptyline is sedating and, combined with zolpidem, increases drowsiness and psychomotor impairment. Complex sleep behaviors and confusion may be more likely in vulnerable patients, and falls are a concern in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Amitriptyline and Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and counsel on next-day impairment and driving. Monitor sedation and confusion, particularly in elderly patients.
What other medicines interact with Zolpidem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zolpidem with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Zolpidem page.
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