Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Chlorpromazine 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
Chlorpromazine is strongly sedating and, with zolpidem, can cause additive drowsiness, reduced alertness and impaired coordination. Postural hypotension from chlorpromazine can raise the risk of falls.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine 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.
Chlorpromazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via GABA-A enhancement (zolpidem) plus histamine H1, alpha-1 and other receptor blockade (chlorpromazine).
What to do
Use the lowest zolpidem dose and counsel on avoiding driving and hazardous tasks. Monitor sedation and orthostatic blood pressure, especially 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 Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpromazine with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorpromazine 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. Chlorpromazine is strongly sedating and, with zolpidem, can cause additive drowsiness, reduced alertness and impaired coordination. Postural hypotension from chlorpromazine can raise the risk of falls.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine 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 zolpidem dose and counsel on avoiding driving and hazardous tasks. Monitor sedation and orthostatic blood pressure, especially 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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