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Zolpidem

Drug Information

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

Common brand names:

Ambien, Ambien CR, Tovalt ODT

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

What Are Nutrient Interactions
Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

  • none

Reduce Side Effects

  • none

Support Medicine

  • none

Reduces Effectiveness

  • St. John’s Wort
    In healthy volunteers, supplementation with St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) along with zolpidem decreased blood levels of zolpidem, apparently by accelerating the metabolism of the drug.1

Potential Negative Interaction

  • 5-HTP

    Nine cases of zolpidem-induced hallucinations associated with serotonin reuptake inhibiting antidepressants have been reported, some lasting for several hours.2 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.

    The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
  • L-Tryptophan

    Nine cases of zolpidem-induced hallucinations associated with serotonin reuptake inhibiting antidepressants have been reported, some lasting for several hours.3 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) 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.

    The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Explanation Required 

  • none

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

References

1. Hojo Y, Echizenya M, Ohkubo T, Shimizu T. Drug interaction between St John's wort and zolpidem in healthy subjects. J Clin Pharm Ther 2011;36:711–5.

2. Elko CJ, Burgess JL, Robertson WO. Zolpidem-associated hallucinations and serotonin reuptake inhibition: a possible interaction. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1998;36:195–203.

3. Elko CJ, Burgess JL, Robertson WO. Zolpidem-associated hallucinations and serotonin reuptake inhibition: a possible interaction. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1998;36:195–203.

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