Drug interactions
Diazepam intranasal + Zaleplon
Severity: Moderate
Diazepam intranasal and Zaleplon: 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
Both drugs depress the central nervous system, so taking them together can deepen sedation, impair psychomotor performance and memory, and increase the risk of respiratory depression. The risk is greater in older adults and in people who also use alcohol or opioids.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diazepam intranasal and Zaleplon 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.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS depression through enhancement of GABA-A receptor activity by both agents.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and avoid bedtime dosing of both unless needed, with a reduced zaleplon dose in frail patients. Counsel the patient about next-day impairment and driving, and monitor sedation and respiration.
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 Zaleplon
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Sodium oxybate + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Brexanolone + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Zaleplon Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diazepam intranasal with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diazepam intranasal and Zaleplon 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. Both drugs depress the central nervous system, so taking them together can deepen sedation, impair psychomotor performance and memory, and increase the risk of respiratory depression. The risk is greater in older adults and in people who also use alcohol or opioids.
How serious is the interaction between Diazepam intranasal and Zaleplon?
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 avoid bedtime dosing of both unless needed, with a reduced zaleplon dose in frail patients. Counsel the patient about next-day impairment and driving, and monitor sedation and respiration.
What other medicines interact with Zaleplon?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zaleplon with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Zaleplon page.
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