Ambien And Interactions: Other Drugs, Alcohol, And More

Alcohol, another substance or a supplement may influence the way that a drug works within your body. The same can happen when you suffer from specific health issues.

Ambien (zolpidem) is an approved prescription medication which is used in treating sleepiness (trouble sleep) for adults. This medication is recommended in case you're having difficulty getting sleep and staying asleep. Similar to other medications, Ambien may have interactions with other medications.

There are instances where one substance triggers another to produce a different result that is not expected. For instance, alcohol, another substance or a supplement may influence the way that a drug works within your body. The same can happen when you suffer from specific health issues.

Continue reading to learn more about the possible interactions between Ambien and other drugs as well as the list of drugs that shouldn't be mixed with Ambien.

Ambien Vs. Ambien Cr

Ambien can be purchased in two versions: Ambien and C.R. Both drugs have an active component known as the zolpidem. However, Ambien CR is a controlled release version of Ambien. This means that the drug gets released slowly in time.

Since Ambien as well as Ambien CR have the same active ingredient and share the same interaction. This article, however, focuses on the interactions with Ambien only. To find out more about Ambien CR discuss it with your physician.

What Is The Best Time To Avoid Ambien?

Certain medical conditions or other circumstances could increase the risk of harm if using Ambien. In this situation, your doctor might not recommend Ambien to you. This is considered an indication against. Below is a list of the contraindications to Ambien.

  • If you've experienced strange sleep habits due to using Ambien. Tell your doctor if you've had strange sleep patterns like sleepwalking, sleeping-driving, or any other unusual behaviours following the use of Ambien. These types of behaviour can be very serious and may even pose a life-threatening risk to the person taking it or anyone else. If you've experienced any of these adverse effects of Ambien and your doctor has a reason to do so, they will suggest a different option for you.
  • If you've experienced any kind of allergic reaction. If you have experienced an allergic reaction with Ambien as well as any of the ingredients, your physician likely won't recommend Ambien. Ask them for other treatment options that might be better choices for you.

In the event that any one of these conditions mentioned above are applicable to you, consult your physician prior to taking Ambien. Your doctor can tell you if Ambien is safe to use.

Does Ambien Interfere In Conjunction With Alcohol?

Sure, Ambien can interact with alcohol. Alcohol should not be consumed in conjunction with Ambien. Ambien and alcohol both Ambien and alcohol may cause dizziness or insomnia. Therefore, drinking alcohol while taking Ambien increases the chance of experiencing these adverse effects. It could also make these negative effects more severe in the event that you suffer from these.

Additionally, mixing Ambien and alcohol can increase your chance of suffering from a dangerous adverse effect known as CNS depression. This could cause confusedness, loss of consciousness as well as a decrease in pulse, seizures, or a change in breathing. Drinking alcohol may also increase the risk of having unusual sleep-related behaviours, including sleepwalking, or even sleep driving. *

If you have any questions regarding drinking alcohol during the course of your Ambien treatment, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Does Ambien Interact With Other Medications?

Before you begin taking Ambien Before you begin taking Ambien, inform your pharmacist and doctor of any medication, over-the counter or other medication you're taking. Informing them of this information could help you avoid possible interactions.

If you have any questions regarding interactions between medications that might be affecting you, speak to your physician or pharmacist.

Are There Any Other Interactions In Conjunction With Ambien?

Ambien could have different interactions. It could happen with the use of supplements, food items or vaccines. They can also occur with tests in the lab. Check out the following for more information.

Does Ambien Interfere With Herbs, Supplements, Or Vitamins?

Before you begin taking Ambien, discuss with your pharmacist and doctor regarding any supplements or herbs you are taking. Informing them of this information could help you avoid potential interactions.

Ambien Interactions And Supplements

Ambien is a supplement to Melatonin, which can be used to improve sleep. Melatonin and Ambien are both known to cause sleepiness. Therefore, taking them in combination could cause you to become sleepy and increase the chances of having serious side negative effects. Your doctor may suggest to avoid taking Melatonin when you're taking Ambien.

If you are concerned regarding interactions that could impact you, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Herbs And Ambien Interact With Each Other

Ambien may interact with herbal supplements, valerian, and St. John's wort.

Valerian and Ambien are both known to cause drowsiness. Also, taking them both could make you sleepy and increase the chance of experiencing serious adverse consequences.

St. John's Wort is an inducer of CYP3A4. CYP3A4 is an enzyme responsible for breaking down Ambien. CYP3A4 inducers trigger the enzyme to function faster than it normally does. This can result in Ambien being less effective.

Valerian as well as St. John's Wort with Ambien isn't advised. If you're taking any or both of them, consult with your doctor regarding the options available.

Ambien And Vitamins

There aren't any reports yet that speak of Ambien interfering on Vitamins. However, this doesn't mean vitamin interactions will not be spotted in the near future.

This is why it's essential to consult your physician or pharmacist prior to taking any of these medications when you are taking Ambien.

Does Ambien Interfere With Food?

There are no reports about Ambien interfering with food. If you have any questions about the foods you eat while you are taking Ambien consult your physician.

Does Ambien Interfere With Vaccinations?

There aren't any reported interactions with Ambien or vaccines. If you are unsure about getting specific vaccines prior to and/or during Ambien treatment, consult your physician.

Does Ambien Affect Lab Tests?

It's not true, Ambien isn't known to affect laboratory tests. If you're looking for more information regarding whether certain laboratory tests could be appropriate to undergo during your treatment with Ambient, speak with your physician.

How Do I Stop Interactions?

Following a few steps will allow you to prevent interactions using Ambien. Before you begin treatment, consult with your pharmacist and doctor. Things to talk about among them are:

  • If you drink alcohol or smoke cannabis.
  • Other medications you use along with any supplements, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Your pharmacist or doctor can assist you with completing a list of medications. list.
  • What should you do if you begin taking a new medication while you are taking Ambien?

It's also crucial to study Ambien's label along with other documentation from the Source that is included with the medication. There are coloured stickers on the label, which explain interactions. The paperwork (sometimes called the prescribing info) might contain additional information on interactions. If you require assistance understanding the information provided, your physician or pharmacist can assist.

It is important to take Ambien exactly as prescribed and may be helpful in preventing interactions.

Do I Need To Talk With My Doctor?

If you have any questions regarding Ambien and possible interactions, speak to your physician.

Questions you might want to discuss with your doctor include:

  • Does my chance of getting reactions depend on the Ambien dose?
  • Should I inform you when I change my lifestyle, for example, my exercise regimen or diet?
  • Are other medications that can be used to treat my condition are similar to my condition?

 


Jackson Blaxcell

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