Drug interactions
Thioridazine + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Thioridazine 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
Thioridazine is markedly sedating and can add to zolpidem's sedative and psychomotor effects, increasing the risk of falls and accidents. Thioridazine also causes orthostatic hypotension and QT prolongation, which makes additional sedative burden less desirable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Thioridazine 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.
Thioridazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from GABA-A enhancement and antipsychotic histamine/alpha-adrenergic/muscarinic blockade.
What to do
Use the lowest zolpidem dose and counsel on driving and falls. Monitor sedation and orthostatic blood pressure, and consider alternatives in elderly patients.
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 Thioridazine
- Abiraterone + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Thioridazine with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Thioridazine 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. Thioridazine is markedly sedating and can add to zolpidem's sedative and psychomotor effects, increasing the risk of falls and accidents. Thioridazine also causes orthostatic hypotension and QT prolongation, which makes additional sedative burden less desirable.
How serious is the interaction between Thioridazine 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 the lowest zolpidem dose and counsel on driving and falls. Monitor sedation and orthostatic blood pressure, and consider alternatives in elderly patients.
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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