Drug interactions
Fluvoxamine + Zaleplon
Severity: Moderate
Fluvoxamine 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
Fluvoxamine may increase zaleplon exposure through inhibition of CYP3A4, though zaleplon is mainly cleared by aldehyde oxidase, so the effect is modest. Excess sedation and next-day impairment are possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fluvoxamine 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.
Fluvoxamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Zaleplon belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Fluvoxamine inhibits CYP3A4, a minor metabolic pathway for zaleplon.
What to do
Start with a low zaleplon dose (such as 5 mg) and monitor for oversedation. Reduce the dose if drowsiness occurs.
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
Other interactions of Fluvoxamine
- Agomelatine + Fluvoxamine Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Fluvoxamine Contraindicated
- Fezolinetant + Fluvoxamine Contraindicated
- Fluvoxamine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fluvoxamine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Fluvoxamine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fluvoxamine with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fluvoxamine 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. Fluvoxamine may increase zaleplon exposure through inhibition of CYP3A4, though zaleplon is mainly cleared by aldehyde oxidase, so the effect is modest. Excess sedation and next-day impairment are possible.
How serious is the interaction between Fluvoxamine 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: Start with a low zaleplon dose (such as 5 mg) and monitor for oversedation. Reduce the dose if drowsiness occurs.
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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