.
Zolpidem a is hypnotic drug used for short-term treatment of people with insomnia.
Interactions with Dietary 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.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
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.
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 |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
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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