Drug interactions
Primidone + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Primidone 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
Primidone, partly converted to phenobarbital, induces hepatic enzymes and may reduce zolpidem exposure. Additive sedation is also possible because both agents depress the CNS.
What this interaction means in plain words
Primidone 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.
Primidone belongs to Central Nervous System; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Primidone and its phenobarbital metabolite induce CYP3A4, increasing zolpidem clearance, with additive CNS depression.
What to do
Monitor for diminished hypnotic effect and for daytime sedation or impairment; consider an alternative hypnotic if response is lost.
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 Primidone
- Lorlatinib + Primidone Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Primidone Contraindicated
- Primidone + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Primidone + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
- Primidone + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Abiraterone + Primidone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Primidone with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Primidone 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. Primidone, partly converted to phenobarbital, induces hepatic enzymes and may reduce zolpidem exposure. Additive sedation is also possible because both agents depress the CNS.
How serious is the interaction between Primidone 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: Monitor for diminished hypnotic effect and for daytime sedation or impairment; consider an alternative hypnotic if response is lost.
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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