Bettie asked
How long should you wait if you take hydrocodone at 2pm to take 10 mg Ambien?
Answer
The effects of a single dose of hydrocodone last around 4 to 6 hours, but can vary by individual. It would be prudent to take Ambien at least 6 hours after hydrocodone dosing but this will not completely avoid the interaction as hydrocodone will last in the body around 20 hours before it is completely metabolized. If you wish to avoid taking Ambien while hydrocodone is in your system, you should wait about 24 hours.
Hydrocodone Metabolism
Hydrocodone has a reported half-life of around 4 hours. The half-life of a drug refers to the time it takes for 50% of a drug to be metabolized. It is generally thought that it takes around 5 or 6 half-lives for a drug to be considered completely metabolized and eliminated from the body. Therefore, hydrocodone should be completely metabolized in around 20 to 24 hours in most individuals.
Taking Ambien With Hydrocodone
The FDA warns of taking CNS depressants, such as Ambien, with opioids, like hydrocodone due to the risk of additive sedation, confusion and rarely, respiratory depression. It is best to avoid the combination completely, but at the very least they should be used at the lowest possible doses.
While the analgesic and sedatory effects of hydrocodone will only last 4 to 6 hours, it can still cause respiratory depression while present in your system. As mentioned above, if you want to avoid hydrocodone being in your system while you take Ambien, wait at least 20-24 hours.
