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Is It Safe To Take Hydrocodone And Zolpidem Together?

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Posted on Tue, 7 Oct 2014
Question: I am a 71 year old male currently on Hydrocodon 7.5-500 for back pain. I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and issued a prescription for Zolpidem Tartrate. What precautions are needed when taking these drugs?
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Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No serious interactions

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

There is no significant interactions between hydrocodone and zolpidem.
Few things to be noted are:

1)Both are CNS depressants. So concurrent use can cause additional depression-you should be cautious when going out or moving around.
2)Zolpidem has a faster onset of action-should be taken only shortly before going to bed.
3)It is better to avoid alcohol-it can cause significant CNS depression; also can increase the blood levels of these drugs.
4)Zolpidem is usually given for 7-10 days only.
If using for longer duration, you should have strict followup with your doctor. There should not be sudden withdrawal or rapid dose reduction-this can cause adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, gastric upset, fatigue, light-headedness, nervousness etc.

Hope I have answered your query.
Wishing you good health.
Thank you.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Muhammed Aslam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 987 Questions

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Is It Safe To Take Hydrocodone And Zolpidem Together?

Brief Answer: No serious interactions Detailed Answer: Hello dear, There is no significant interactions between hydrocodone and zolpidem. Few things to be noted are: 1)Both are CNS depressants. So concurrent use can cause additional depression-you should be cautious when going out or moving around. 2)Zolpidem has a faster onset of action-should be taken only shortly before going to bed. 3)It is better to avoid alcohol-it can cause significant CNS depression; also can increase the blood levels of these drugs. 4)Zolpidem is usually given for 7-10 days only. If using for longer duration, you should have strict followup with your doctor. There should not be sudden withdrawal or rapid dose reduction-this can cause adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, gastric upset, fatigue, light-headedness, nervousness etc. Hope I have answered your query. Wishing you good health. Thank you.