Beans asked
I was given by the orthopedic dr. Norco for severe pain just for until my injections kick in. Is it alright to take Ambien at the same time as taking one Norco?
Answer
There is not a drug interaction per say between Ambien (Zolpidem) and Norco (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen), but they are both considered CNS (central nervous system) depressants and will have sedative additive effects.
Ambien is used an a treatment for insomnia and works well due to its sedative properties. Norco is a combination of two drugs used for pain control. Hydrocodone is a potent opioid medications that is similar to morphine and oxycodone.
Norco, especially in those who have not had it before, can cause significant drowsiness and sedation. As I said before, there is no drug interaction between Ambien
and Norco in terms of one agent affecting the other. The only concern comes with the added sedation.
I have seen many patients on both before with no problems. The only issue I raise is if a patient had sleep apnea. Sometimes those patients can have more difficulty breathing if they are taking multiple CNS depressant drugs.
After taking Norco, if you feel it does not significantly affect you in terms of sedation, you should have no problems combining it with Ambien.
