Zolpidem

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Also indexed as:

Ambien

Zolpidem a is hypnotic drug used for short-term treatment of people with insomnia.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Zolpidem

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)* L-tryptophan*
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and L-tryptophan

Nine cases of zolpidem-induced hallucinations associated with serotonin reuptake inhibiting antidepressants have been reported, some lasting for several hours.¹ 5-HTP and L-tryptophan are converted to serotonin in the brain, and taking them with zolpidem may increase zolpidem-induced hallucinations, though no interactions have yet been reported with zolpidem and 5-HTP or L-tryptophan.

Other Interactions

Food

Food may interfere with zolpidem absorption and slow the onset of sleep.² Zolpidem should be taken one hour before or two hours after food to avoid this interaction.

Alcohol

Zolpidem causes drowsiness. Alcohol may compound this effect and increase the risk of accidental injury.³ To prevent problems, people taking zolpidem should avoid alcohol.

References

1. Elko CJ, Burgess JL, Robertson WO. Zolpidem-associated hallucinations and serotonin reuptake inhibition: a possible interaction. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1998;36:195-203.
2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Sedatives and Hypnotics, Nonbarbiturate, Imidazopyridines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1993, 269h-9m.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Sedatives And Hypnotics, Nonbarbiturate, Imidazopyridines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1993, 269h-9m.

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Last Review: 01-21-2009

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