sleep aid
10 interactions related to sleep aid
zolpidem + melatonin
Combining the Z-drug hypnotic zolpidem with melatonin can produce additive next-day drowsiness, impaired thinking, and reduced motor coordination, with the risk most pronounced in older adults. The interaction is primarily pharmacodynamic.
lorazepam + valerian
Valerian root contains valerenic acid and other compounds that modulate GABA-A receptor activity. Combined with lorazepam, a benzodiazepine that also enhances GABA signaling, the effect is additive CNS depression with increased risk of severe drowsiness, confusion, and impaired coordination.
alprazolam + melatonin
Melatonin and alprazolam both promote sleep and can produce additive sedation, impaired alertness, and reduced motor coordination when used together. The combination may increase next-day drowsiness and risk during activities like driving.
zolpidem + valerian
Zolpidem is a Z-drug hypnotic that selectively binds the GABA-A receptor's alpha-1 subunit. Valerian's valerenic acid also modulates GABA-A receptors, producing additive sedation and a documented delay in next-morning psychomotor recovery when the two are combined.
diphenhydramine + valerian
Diphenhydramine (a sedating antihistamine) and valerian root both produce CNS depression through GABAergic and histaminergic pathways. Used together, sedation, psychomotor impairment, and respiratory depression risks are additive.
trazodone + 5-htp
Both trazodone and 5-HTP increase central serotonin activity. Trazodone blocks the serotonin transporter and acts on 5-HT2 receptors, while 5-HTP is a direct precursor to serotonin and bypasses the normal regulation of tryptophan availability. Combining them can produce additive serotonergic effects and risk of serotonin syndrome.
alcohol + zolpidem
Zolpidem (Ambien) and alcohol both potentiate GABA-A receptor activity at the alpha-1 subunit, producing additive sedation, profound impairment of psychomotor performance, and significantly elevated risk of complex sleep behaviors, falls, respiratory depression, and motor vehicle crashes. Alcohol also increases zolpidem absorption and peak concentrations.
alcohol + trazodone
Trazodone and alcohol both depress the central nervous system, producing additive sedation, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, and impaired psychomotor performance. The combination also increases risk of falls, accidents, and rarely, dangerous arrhythmias related to QT prolongation.
alcohol + valerian
Valerian root acts on GABA-A receptors and may inhibit GABA breakdown, producing sedative effects that are additive with alcohol's CNS depressant effects. The combination produces increased drowsiness, impaired psychomotor performance, and risk of falls, particularly in older adults.
diphenhydramine + melatonin
Both diphenhydramine and melatonin cause sedation through different mechanisms (H1 antagonism and MT1/MT2 agonism). Combined use produces additive CNS depression, next-day drowsiness, impaired cognition, and increased fall risk, especially in older adults.