Mixing Alcohol and Zolpidem (Ambien)
Dangerous
More sedation, slower breathing and memory loss than either alone.
Do not combine: zolpidem's label says not to take it at all if you drank that evening.
What to do
- Say what was taken and how much.Responders need it, and in most US states Good Samaritan laws protect both of you from drug possession charges when you call for an overdose.
- Unresponsive: put them on their side, tilt the head back, and stay until help arrives.Never leave someone alone to “sleep it off”.
- Never Use Alone 1-800-484-3731Stays on the line and sends help if you stop responding.
- Full steps: what to do if it is already happeningOverdose signs, the recovery position, what to say on the call, and whether you can be charged for making it.
- Poison Control 1-800-222-1222Free and 24/7, for “is this bad?” before it becomes an emergency.
What “Dangerous” means
High risk of death or life-changing injury. Do not combine.
How the ratings workThe longer explanation
Zolpidem's label says not to take it at all if you drank that evening. Together they cause more sedation, slower breathing and memory loss than either alone, and zolpidem can have you walking, driving or cooking with no memory of it, with or without alcohol. Alcohol was the only other substance in about one in ten zolpidem emergency visits.
Sources (3)
- FDA adds Boxed Warning for risk of serious injuries caused by sleepwalking with certain prescription insomnia medicines. 2019fda.gov
- Ambien (zolpidem) prescribing information. FDA, 2022accessdata.fda.gov
- Emergency Department Visits for Adverse Reactions Involving the Insomnia Medication Zolpidem. SAMHSA DAWN Report. 2013ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Think this is wrong, or know a better source? Send it.
Related combinations
- KetamineDangerous
- MXEDangerous
- DXMDangerous
- BenzodiazepinesDangerous
- XylazineDangerous
- GHB / GBLDangerous
- XylazineDangerous
- GHB / GBLDangerous
- PregabalinDangerous
- OpioidsDangerous
- FentanylDangerous
- KratomDangerous
Can you mix Alcohol and Zolpidem (Ambien)?
MixSafe rates mixing Alcohol and Zolpidem as "Dangerous" — high risk of death or life-changing injury. Do not combine. Source: MixSafe research. Educational information, not medical advice.