Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Zaleplon
Severity: Major
Fentanyl and Zaleplon: 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
Opioids combined with sedative-hypnotics produce additive CNS and respiratory depression. Complex sleep behaviors, profound sedation and respiratory failure are possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl and Zaleplon 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.
Fentanyl belongs to Musculoskeletal; Zaleplon belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via opioid receptor and GABA-A receptor modulation.
What to do
Reserve combination for patients with no alternative, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor sedation and respiratory rate.
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 Fentanyl
- Alvimopan + Fentanyl Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Fentanyl + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Fentanyl Major
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 Fentanyl with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fentanyl and Zaleplon 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. Opioids combined with sedative-hypnotics produce additive CNS and respiratory depression. Complex sleep behaviors, profound sedation and respiratory failure are possible.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl and Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reserve combination for patients with no alternative, using the lowest doses and shortest duration. Monitor sedation and respiratory rate.
What other medicines interact with Fentanyl?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fentanyl with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Fentanyl page.
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