Drug interactions
Fluvoxamine + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Fluvoxamine and Zolpidem: 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 inhibits several CYP enzymes, including CYP3A4 and CYP2C9/2C19, and can raise zolpidem exposure. This may produce excessive sedation, confusion, and complex sleep behaviors or next-day impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fluvoxamine and Zolpidem 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; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Fluvoxamine inhibits CYP-mediated metabolism of zolpidem (notably CYP3A4, with contributions from CYP2C9 and CYP2C19).
What to do
Use a reduced zolpidem dose (such as 5 mg) and monitor for oversedation. Advise against driving the next day if drowsy.
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 Zolpidem
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 Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fluvoxamine and Zolpidem 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 inhibits several CYP enzymes, including CYP3A4 and CYP2C9/2C19, and can raise zolpidem exposure. This may produce excessive sedation, confusion, and complex sleep behaviors or next-day impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Fluvoxamine and Zolpidem?
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 a reduced zolpidem dose (such as 5 mg) and monitor for oversedation. Advise against driving the next day if drowsy.
What other medicines interact with Zolpidem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zolpidem with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Zolpidem page.
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