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7 Interactions found for:

Ambien and Xanax
Interactions Summary
  • 4 Major
  • 3 Moderate
  • 0 Minor
  • Ambien
  • Xanax

Drug Interactions

Moderate
Xanax + Ambien

The following applies to the ingredients: Alprazolam (found in Xanax) and Zolpidem (found in Ambien)

MONITOR: Central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in patients taking multiple drugs that cause these effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients. Sedation and impairment of attention, judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills may increase.

MANAGEMENT: During concomitant use of these drugs, patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS and respiratory depression. Cautious dosage titration may be required, particularly at treatment initiation. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

References

  1. Hamilton MJ, Bush M, Smith P, Peck AW "The effects of bupropion, a new antidepressant drug, and diazepam, and their interaction in man." Br J Clin Pharmacol 14 (1982): 791-7
  2. Stambaugh JE, Lane C "Analgesic efficacy and pharmacokinetic evaluation of meperidine and hydroxyzine, alone and in combination." Cancer Invest 1 (1983): 111-7
  3. Sotaniemi EA, Anttila M, Rautio A, et al. "Propranolol and sotalol metabolism after a drinking party." Clin Pharmacol Ther 29 (1981): 705-10
  4. Grabowski BS, Cady WJ, Young WW, Emery JF "Effects of acute alcohol administration on propranolol absorption." Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 18 (1980): 317-9
  5. Lemberger L, Rowe H, Bosomworth JC, Tenbarge JB, Bergstrom RF "The effect of fluoxetine on the pharmacokinetics and psychomotor responses of diazepam." Clin Pharmacol Ther 43 (1988): 412-9
  6. MacLeod SM, Giles HG, Patzalek G, Thiessen JJ, Sellers EM "Diazepam actions and plasma concentrations following ethanol ingestion." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 11 (1977): 345-9
  7. Divoll M, Greenblatt DJ, Lacasse Y, Shader RI "Benzodiazepine overdosage: plasma concentrations and clinical outcome." Psychopharmacology (Berl) 73 (1981): 381-3
  8. Naylor GJ, McHarg A "Profound hypothermia on combined lithium carbonate and diazepam treatment." Br Med J 2 (1977): 22
  9. Stovner J, Endresen R "Intravenous anaesthesia with diazepam." Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 24 (1965): 223-7
  10. Driessen JJ, Vree TB, Booij LH, van der Pol FM, Crul JF "Effect of some benzodiazepines on peripheral neuromuscular function in the rat in-vitro hemidiaphragm preparation." J Pharm Pharmacol 36 (1984): 244-7
  11. Feldman SA, Crawley BE "Interaction of diazepam with the muscle-relaxant drugs." Br Med J 1 (1970): 336-8
  12. Ochs HR, Greenblatt DJ, Verburg-Ochs B "Propranolol interactions with diazepam, lorazepam and alprazolam." Clin Pharmacol Ther 36 (1984): 451-5
  13. Desager JP, Hulhoven R, Harvengt C, Hermann P, Guillet P, Thiercelin JF "Possible interactions between zolpidem, a new sleep inducer and chlorpromazine, a phenothiazine neuroleptic." Psychopharmacology (Berl) 96 (1988): 63-6
  14. Tverskoy M, Fleyshman G, Ezry J, Bradley EL, Jr Kissin I "Midazolam-morphine sedative interaction in patients." Anesth Analg 68 (1989): 282-5
  15. "Product Information. Iopidine (apraclonidine ophthalmic)." Alcon Laboratories Inc PROD
  16. Greiff JMC, Rowbotham D "Pharmacokinetic drug interactions with gastrointestinal motility modifying agents." Clin Pharmacokinet 27 (1994): 447-61
  17. Greb WH, Buscher G, Dierdorf HD, Koster FE, Wolf D, Mellows G "The effect of liver enzyme inhibition by cimetidine and enzyme induction by phenobarbitone on the pharmacokinetics of paroxetine." Acta Psychiatr Scand 80 Suppl (1989): 95-8
  18. Markowitz JS, Wells BG, Carson WH "Interactions between antipsychotic and antihypertensive drugs." Ann Pharmacother 29 (1995): 603-9
  19. "Product Information. Ultram (tramadol)." McNeil Pharmaceutical PROD (2001):
  20. "Product Information. Artane (trihexyphenidyl)." Lederle Laboratories PROD (2001):
  21. "Product Information. Ultiva (remifentanil)." Mylan Institutional (formally Bioniche Pharma USA Inc) PROD (2001):
  22. "Product Information. Seroquel (quetiapine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  23. "Product Information. Meridia (sibutramine)." Knoll Pharmaceutical Company PROD (2001):
  24. "Product Information. Tasmar (tolcapone)." Valeant Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  25. Miller LG "Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions." Arch Intern Med 158 (1998): 2200-11
  26. "Product Information. Precedex (dexmedetomidine)." Abbott Pharmaceutical PROD (2001):
  27. "Product Information. Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  28. Ferslew KE, Hagardorn AN, McCormick WF "A fatal interaction of methocarbamol and ethanol in an accidental poisoning." J Forensic Sci 35 (1990): 477-82
  29. Plushner SL "Valerian: valeriana officinalis." Am J Health Syst Pharm 57 (2000): 328-35
  30. "Product Information. Xatral (alfuzosin)." Sanofi-Synthelabo Canada Inc (2002):
  31. "Product Information. Lexapro (escitalopram)." Forest Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  32. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  33. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  34. "Product Information. Fycompa (perampanel)." Eisai Inc (2012):
  35. "Product Information. Belsomra (suvorexant)." Merck & Co., Inc (2014):
  36. "Product Information. Rexulti (brexpiprazole)." Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals Inc (2015):

Drug and Food Interactions

Moderate
Xanax + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Alprazolam (found in Xanax)

GENERALLY AVOID: The pharmacologic activity of oral midazolam, triazolam, and alprazolam may be increased if taken after drinking grapefruit juice. The proposed mechanism is CYP450 3A4 enzyme inhibition. In addition, acute alcohol ingestion may potentiate CNS depression and other CNS effects of many benzodiazepines. Tolerance may develop with chronic ethanol use. The mechanism may be decreased clearance of the benzodiazepines because of CYP450 hepatic enzyme inhibition. Also, it has been suggested that the cognitive deficits induced by benzodiazepines may be increased in patients who chronically consume large amounts of alcohol.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends that grapefruit juice should not be taken with oral midazolam. Patients taking triazolam or alprazolam should be monitored for excessive sedation. Alternatively, the patient could consume orange juice which does not interact with these drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during benzodiazepine therapy.

References

  1. "Product Information. Xanax (alprazolam)." Pharmacia and Upjohn PROD (2002):
  2. "Product Information. Valium (diazepam)." Roche Laboratories PROD (2002):
  3. "Product Information. Halcion (triazolam)." Pharmacia and Upjohn PROD (2001):
  4. "Grapefruit juice interactions with drugs." Med Lett Drugs Ther 37 (1995): 73-4
  5. Kupferschmidt HHT, Ha HR, Ziegler WH, Meier PJ, Krahenbuhl S "Interaction between grapefruit juice and midazolam in humans." Clin Pharmacol Ther 58 (1995): 20-8
  6. Hukkinen SK, Varhe A, Olkkola KT, Neuvonen PJ "Plasma concentrations of triazolam are increased by concomitant ingestion of grapefruit juice." Clin Pharmacol Ther 58 (1995): 127-31
  7. Bailey DG, Dresser GR, Kreeft JH, Munoz C, Freeman DJ, Bend JR "Grapefruit-felodipine interaction: Effect of unprocessed fruit and probable active ingredients." Clin Pharmacol Ther 68 (2000): 468-77

Moderate
Ambien + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Zolpidem (found in Ambien)

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of zolpidem. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration of zolpidem with food may delay the onset of hypnotic effects. In 30 healthy subjects, administration of zolpidem 20 minutes after a meal resulted in decreased mean peak plasma drug concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) by 25% and 15%, respectively, compared to fasting. The time to reach peak plasma drug concentration (Tmax) was prolonged by 60%, from 1.4 to 2.2 hours.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving zolpidem should be advised to avoid the consumption of alcohol. For faster sleep onset, zolpidem should not be administered with or immediately after a meal.

References

  1. "Product Information. Ambien (zolpidem)." sanofi-aventis PROD (2001):
  2. Yamreudeewong W, Henann NE, Fazio A, Lower DL, Cassidy TG "Drug-food interactions in clinical practice." J Fam Pract 40 (1995): 376-84

Drug and Pregnancy Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Alprazolam (found in Xanax)

This drug is only recommended for use during pregnancy when there are no alternatives and the benefit outweighs the risk, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category: C
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Risk Summary: Use may be associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations. There are no adequate studies of this drug in pregnant women to inform a drug-related risk.

Comments:
-The child born to a mother taking benzodiazepines may be at risk for withdrawal symptoms.
-Benzodiazepines may cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy.
-The patient should be warned of the potential risks to the fetus and instructed to discontinue the drug prior to becoming pregnant.
-A pregnancy exposure registry is available.

Several studies have suggested an increased risk of congenital malformations associated with the use of minor tranquilizers (i.e., chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, meprobamate) during the first trimester of pregnancy. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

To monitor maternal-fetal outcome of pregnant women exposed to antiepileptic drugs, the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry has been established. Healthcare providers are encouraged to prospectively register patients. For additional information: http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/

AU TGA pregnancy category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

References

  1. "Product Information. Xanax (alprazolam)." Pharmacia and Upjohn PROD (2002):
  2. "Product Information. Niravam (alprazolam)." Schwarz Pharma (2005):
  3. "Product Information. Xanax XR (alprazolam)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals Group (2005):
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

The following applies to the ingredients: Zolpidem (found in Ambien)

This drug is only recommended for use during pregnancy when there are no alternatives and the benefit outweighs the risk.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Risk summary: The data do not report a clear association between use of this drug and major birth defects.

Comments:
-A syndrome of hypothermia, hypotonia, respiratory depression and difficulty feeding may occur in in infants of mothers administered this drug in the late phase of pregnancy or during childbirth.
-Withdrawal symptoms may occur in neonates whose mothers were taking sedative-hypnotics late in pregnancy.

Cases of severe neonatal respiratory depression have been reported when this drug was used at the end of pregnancy, especially when used with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Infants born to mothers who took benzodiazepines or benzodiazepine-like agents chronically during the latter stages of pregnancy may be at risk for developing physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms in the postnatal period. Additionally, neonatal flaccidity also has been reported in infants born to mothers who received sedative/hypnotic drugs during pregnancy.

Animal studies have revealed no evidence of teratogenicity or fertility impairment, but adverse effects including incomplete fetal skeletal ossification and increased embryo-fetal death.

AU TGA pregnancy category B3: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

References

  1. "Product Information. Ambien (zolpidem)." sanofi-aventis PROD (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Ambien CR (zolpidem)." Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc (2005):
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  5. "Product Information. Edluar (zolpidem)." Meda Pharmaceuticals (2009):
  6. TGA. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Australian Drug Evaluation Committee "Prescribing medicines in pregnancy: an Australian categorisation of risk of drug use in pregnancy. http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/medpreg.htm" (2010):
  7. "Product Information. Intermezzo (zolpidem)." Purdue Pharma LP (2011):
  8. "Product Information. Zolpimist (zolpidem)." Magna Pharmaceuticals Inc (2017):

Drug and Breastfeeding Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Alprazolam (found in Xanax)

Use is not recommended.
-Some experts recommend: A decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-The American Academy of Pediatrics considers this agent a drug for which the effect on nursing infants is unknown but may be of concern.
-Chronic administration of diazepam to nursing mothers has been reported to cause their infants to become lethargic and to lose weight.

References

  1. "Product Information. Xanax (alprazolam)." Pharmacia and Upjohn PROD (2002):
  2. "Product Information. Niravam (alprazolam)." Schwarz Pharma (2005):
  3. "Product Information. Xanax XR (alprazolam)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals Group (2005):
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  6. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
  7. Briggs GG, Freeman RK. "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health (2015):

The following applies to the ingredients: Zolpidem (found in Ambien)

Use is not recommended and a decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-Some experts state that this drug should be used with caution.
-Due to the low levels of this drug in breastmilk and its short half-life, amounts ingested by nursing infants are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in these infants.
-The American Academy of Pediatrics considers this drug to be compatible with breastfeeding.
-Some experts recommend monitoring breastfed infants for hypotonia, respiratory depression, and sedation.

After a single, 20 mg oral dose was administered to 5 nursing mothers (who were 3 to 4 days postpartum), breastmilk collected at 3 hours contained between 0.004% to 0.019% of the maternal dosage; the drug was undetectable (drug levels less than 0.5 mcg/L) in the breastmilk 13 to 16 hours after the dose was given.

In animal models, administration of this drug during the latter part of pregnancy and throughout lactation produced decreased offspring growth and survival at all but the lowest dose tested.

References

  1. "Product Information. Ambien (zolpidem)." sanofi-aventis PROD (2001):
  2. "Product Information. Ambien CR (zolpidem)." Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc (2005):
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  5. "Product Information. Edluar (zolpidem)." Meda Pharmaceuticals (2009):
  6. TGA. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Australian Drug Evaluation Committee "Prescribing medicines in pregnancy: an Australian categorisation of risk of drug use in pregnancy. http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/medpreg.htm" (2010):
  7. "Product Information. Intermezzo (zolpidem)." Purdue Pharma LP (2011):
  8. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
  9. Briggs GG, Freeman RK. "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health (2015):
  10. "Product Information. Zolpimist (zolpidem)." Magna Pharmaceuticals Inc (2017):

Therapeutic Duplication Warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

Switch to: Consumer Interactions

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

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