Drug interactions
Fentanyl + Zolpidem
Severity: Major
Fentanyl 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
Zolpidem and fentanyl have additive sedative and respiratory depressant effects. The combination increases the risk of profound sedation, impaired psychomotor function, and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl 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.
Fentanyl belongs to Musculoskeletal; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression via opioid receptor and GABA-A receptor modulation.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use when possible; otherwise use the lowest effective doses and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients about next-day impairment.
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 Zolpidem
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fentanyl 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. Zolpidem and fentanyl have additive sedative and respiratory depressant effects. The combination increases the risk of profound sedation, impaired psychomotor function, and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl 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: Avoid concurrent use when possible; otherwise use the lowest effective doses and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Counsel patients about next-day impairment.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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