Drug interactions
Sodium oxybate + Zolpidem
Severity: Contraindicated
Sodium oxybate and Zolpidem: contraindicated 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
Sodium oxybate and zolpidem both depress the CNS, and combined use can cause deep sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death. Oxybate labeling contraindicates sedative hypnotics.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sodium oxybate and Zolpidem are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Sodium oxybate belongs to Central Nervous System; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS depression via GABAergic mechanisms.
What to do
Do not co-administer. Discontinue zolpidem or use a non-sedating alternative.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Zolpidem
Other interactions of Sodium oxybate
- Alprazolam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Butorphanol + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Chloral hydrate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Clorazepate + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Sodium oxybate with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Sodium oxybate and Zolpidem are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Sodium oxybate and zolpidem both depress the CNS, and combined use can cause deep sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death. Oxybate labeling contraindicates sedative hypnotics.
How serious is the interaction between Sodium oxybate and Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not co-administer. Discontinue zolpidem or use a non-sedating alternative.
What other medicines interact with Zolpidem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zolpidem with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Zolpidem page.
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