Beatrice asked
Can you take Xanax with Ambien?
Answer
Xanax (alprazolam) and Ambien (zolpidem) do interact and pose a risk when taken together.
Both Ambien and Xanax depress the central nervous system (CNS) and can potentiate this effect when taken together. Excess sedation is the most likely side effect of taking both medications at the same time and the risk of serious adverse reactions, such as respiratory depression, increases as well.
If your doctors have prescribed you both Xanax and Ambien, the dose of one or both of the medications may need to be decreased.
While Xanax and Ambien shouldn't, in most situations, be used together, it may be safe to only take Xanax during the day and Ambien at night. You should discuss with your doctor the most appropriate and safe way to take these medications if both are necessary.
Xanax (Alprazolam)
Xanax is a benzodiazepine used to treat a wide variety of anxiety related disorders. It is a controlled substance and is available by prescription only as a tablet, extended release tablet, and an orally disintegrating tablet.
Xanax may be taken without regard to food but the extended release tablets should be taken whole with a glass of water. Adverse effects associated with Xanax include but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Increased appetite
- Decreased libido
- Impaired cognition
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Blurred vision
- Headache
These or other side effects may be more prevalent or severe if taken with Ambien.
Ambien (Zolpidem)
Ambien is a sedative hypnotic medication and is available as an immediate release tablet (Ambien) and as an extended release tablet (Ambien CR). Ambien acts on the GABA receptors which leads to the desired sedative effects in treating insomnia.
Ambien and Ambien CR should both be taken on an empty stomach right before bedtime as the average onset of action for both the immediate and extended release tablets is 30 minutes The onset can vary between individuals and may be delayed if the medication is taken with food.
You should take the lowest effective dose of Ambien as taking higher than needed doses can result in increased risks of side effects.
Side effects of Ambien include but are not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Drowsiness (outside of desired time)
- Headache
- Depression
- Unusual thoughts
- Grogginess
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Dementia
- Irregular heart rate
- Skin reactions
These side effects or others may be more prevalent or severe if taken in combination with another CNS depressant like Xanax.
Summary
- Ambien and Xanax, in most cases, should not be taken together due to the risk of additive CNS (central nervous system) depression.
