Zolpidem

Also indexed as: Ambien®, Stilnoct®

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

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.	5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)* L-tryptophan*
Depletion or interference	None known
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 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.

References
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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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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.

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Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds