"ACE" inhibitors
Generic and Trade Names:
| Zolpidem | Ambien |
Description:
Zolpidem is a sedative hypnotic that is not considered to be a benzodiazepine. It is in the imidazopyridine class. It is used primarily for its sedative properties as a sleep aid. (Facts and Comparisons 1999)
Nutritional Considerations:
Food reduces absorption and delays the onset of drug action. (Pronsky 1999)
Avoid alcohol. (Pronsky 1999)
Herbal Considerations:
It is possible for L-tryptophan to interact with zolpidem to increase side effects, due to the similar modes of action of these agents. (Elko 1998)
Avoid tobacco and zolpidem together, it can increase zolpidem metabolism. (Brinker 1998)
Kava may also increase zolpidem side effects if used together due to its sedating effects. (Blumenthal 1998)
Newall lists several herbs as having sedative properties: these may theoretically increase zolpidem's effects.
Herb
Calamus (Sweet Flag)
Celery Seed
Chamomile,
Couchgrass
Elecampane
Ginseng
Goldenseal
Hops
Hydrocotyle (Gotu Kola)
Jamaica Dogwood
Nettle
Passion Flower
Sage
Skullcap
Shepherd's Purse
St. John's Wort
Valerian
Wild Carrot Seed
Wild Lettuce
References
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998
Brinker, Francis N.D. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
Elko CJ, Burgess JL, Robertson WO. Zolpidem-associated hallucinations and serotonin reuptake inhibition: a possible interaction. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1998;36:195-203.
Facts and Comparisons, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 1999.
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996
Olin, B.R. : Facts and Comparison. St Louis, MO. 1995.
Pronsky, Zaneta, M. Food Medication Interactions, 11th edition, 1999.
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