Lorazepam and Zaleplon interaction
Lorazepam and Zaleplon: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Lorazepam (LOREEV XR) label · effective 2025-10-08
Caution patients receiving LOREEV XR against operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle as well to avoid the concomitant use of alcohol and other CNS depressant drugs during treatment ( 5.4 , 7 )
Prescribe the lowest effective dosage; avoid or minimize concomitant use of CNS depressants and other substances associated with abuse, misuse, and addiction (e.g., opioid analgesics, stimulants); and advise patients on the proper disposal of unused drug.
Use of benzodiazepines, including LOREEV XR, both used alone and in combination with other CNS depressants, may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression.
Alcohol should be avoided and other CNS depressant drugs used with caution during treatment with LOREEV XR [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] .
CNS depressants: Additive CNS depressant effects (7)
From the Zaleplon label · effective 2025-10-08
The use of zaleplon with other sedative-hypnotics at bedtime or the middle of the night is not recommended (see ).
Post-marketing reports have shown that complex sleep behaviors may occur with zaleplon alone at recommended dosages, with or without the concomitant use of alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
Coadministration with other CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, alcohol) increases the risk of CNS depression.
Dosage adjustments of zaleplon and of other concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when zaleplon is administered with such agents because of the potentially additive effects.
The risk of next-day psychomotor impairment, including impaired driving, is increased if zaleplon is taken with less than a full night of sleep remaining (7 to 8 hours); if a higher than the recommended dose is taken; if coadministered with other CNS depressants or alcohol; or if coadministered with other drugs that increase the blood levels of zaleplon.
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Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.