Tizanidine and Zaleplon interaction
Tizanidine 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 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.
From the Tizanidine (Zanaflex) label · effective 2026-01-02
Sedation: Zanaflex may interfere with everyday activities; sedative effects of Zanaflex, alcohol, and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants are additive ( 5.3 , 7.4 )
The CNS depressant effects of Zanaflex with alcohol and other CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may be additive [see Drug Interactions ( 7.4 )] .
Monitor patients who take Zanaflex with another CNS depressant for symptoms of excess sedation.
Alcohol and Other CNS Depressants Alcohol increases the exposure of tizanidine after administration of Zanaflex.
Concomitant use of Zanaflex with CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may cause additive CNS depressant effects, including sedation.
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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.