Drug interactions
Eszopiclone + Sodium oxybate
Severity: Contraindicated
Eszopiclone and Sodium oxybate: contraindicated 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
Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and eszopiclone is a sedative-hypnotic that adds to this effect. Together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Oxybate labeling prohibits use with sedative hypnotics.
What this interaction means in plain words
Eszopiclone and Sodium oxybate are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Eszopiclone belongs to Central Nervous System; Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS and respiratory depression.
What to do
Do not combine the two drugs. Choose a non-sedating alternative for insomnia, or stop eszopiclone before starting oxybate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Eszopiclone
Other interactions of Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Eszopiclone with Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Eszopiclone and Sodium oxybate are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Sodium oxybate is a potent CNS depressant, and eszopiclone is a sedative-hypnotic that adds to this effect. Together they can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Oxybate labeling prohibits use with sedative hypnotics.
How serious is the interaction between Eszopiclone and Sodium oxybate?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not combine the two drugs. Choose a non-sedating alternative for insomnia, or stop eszopiclone before starting oxybate.
What other medicines interact with Eszopiclone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Eszopiclone with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Amobarbital, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Eszopiclone page.
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