Drug interactions
Zaleplon + Zuranolone
Severity: Major
Zaleplon and Zuranolone: major 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
Zuranolone causes CNS depression and impaired driving ability, and zaleplon adds further sedative and psychomotor effects. Concurrent use may increase somnolence, confusion and impaired coordination.
What this interaction means in plain words
Zaleplon and Zuranolone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Zaleplon belongs to Central Nervous System; Zuranolone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic CNS depression through GABA-A receptor positive modulation by both drugs.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible; if needed, consider reducing the dose of zuranolone or zaleplon. Monitor for excess sedation and counsel patients not to drive.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Zaleplon
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Sodium oxybate + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Brexanolone + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Zaleplon Major
Other interactions of Zuranolone
- Alprazolam + Zuranolone Major
- Amobarbital + Zuranolone Major
- Apalutamide + Zuranolone Major
- Asenapine + Zuranolone Major
- Brexpiprazole + Zuranolone Major
- Butorphanol + Zuranolone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Zaleplon with Zuranolone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Zaleplon and Zuranolone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Zuranolone causes CNS depression and impaired driving ability, and zaleplon adds further sedative and psychomotor effects. Concurrent use may increase somnolence, confusion and impaired coordination.
How serious is the interaction between Zaleplon and Zuranolone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if possible; if needed, consider reducing the dose of zuranolone or zaleplon. Monitor for excess sedation and counsel patients not to drive.
What other medicines interact with Zaleplon?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zaleplon with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Zaleplon page.
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