Drug interactions
Brexanolone + Zolpidem
Severity: Major
Brexanolone and Zolpidem: major 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
Brexanolone commonly causes excessive sedation and sudden loss of consciousness during infusion, and zolpidem can intensify these effects. The risk of oversedation is greater when other CNS depressants are on board.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brexanolone and Zolpidem can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive GABA-A receptor mediated CNS depression, as brexanolone is a neuroactive steroid positive modulator.
What to do
Hold zolpidem during brexanolone infusion where possible and monitor continuously with pulse oximetry. Interrupt or reduce the infusion if excessive sedation occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Zolpidem
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Brexanolone with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Brexanolone and Zolpidem can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Brexanolone commonly causes excessive sedation and sudden loss of consciousness during infusion, and zolpidem can intensify these effects. The risk of oversedation is greater when other CNS depressants are on board.
How serious is the interaction between Brexanolone and Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Hold zolpidem during brexanolone infusion where possible and monitor continuously with pulse oximetry. Interrupt or reduce the infusion if excessive sedation occurs.
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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