Drug interactions
Oxazepam + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Oxazepam 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
Both drugs enhance GABA-A mediated inhibition, so taking them together produces additive sedation, impaired psychomotor performance and next-day impairment. Respiratory depression is possible, especially in older adults or those with lung disease or other sedatives on board.
What this interaction means in plain words
Oxazepam 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.
Oxazepam belongs to Central Nervous System; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through positive modulation of GABA-A receptors by both agents.
What to do
Avoid combining two sedative-hypnotics where possible; if needed, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time. Counsel about driving and falls, and monitor sedation and respiration.
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 Oxazepam
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxazepam Contraindicated
- Oxazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Oxazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Oxazepam Major
- Baclofen + Oxazepam Major
- Belladonna and opium + Oxazepam Major
Other interactions of Zolpidem
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Oxazepam with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Oxazepam 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. Both drugs enhance GABA-A mediated inhibition, so taking them together produces additive sedation, impaired psychomotor performance and next-day impairment. Respiratory depression is possible, especially in older adults or those with lung disease or other sedatives on board.
How serious is the interaction between Oxazepam 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: Avoid combining two sedative-hypnotics where possible; if needed, use the lowest effective doses for the shortest time. Counsel about driving and falls, and monitor sedation and respiration.
What other medicines interact with Oxazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Oxazepam page.
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