Ambien CR & Prozac: Safe Combination? Potential Interactions & Risks

Prozac (fluoxetine) is one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants in the world. Ambein CR (extended release zolpiderm) is a prescription sleep aid medication. Some people with depression are prescribed both Prozac and Ambien.

Time Frame

• In treating depression, Prozac is taken every day anywhere from six months to the rest of the patient's life. Ambien CR is only to be used for a couple of months while the patient learns better sleep habits.

Common Interactions

• Drugs.com notes that the most common potential interactions between Prozac and Ambien CR are problems breathing and problems with coordination. Any patient experiencing these symptoms needs to contact a doctor immediately.

Patient Age

• Drugs.com also notes that senior citizens or patients already wheelchair-bound were the patients most likely to experience common interactions between Prozac and Ambien CR.

Considerations

• In the study "The effect of co-administration of zolpidem with fluoxetine: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics," 27 male patients given both drugs did not suffer any ill affects, although it took longer for drowsiness from Ambien to kick in.

Warning

• According to the makers of Ambien CR, Sanovi-Aventis, anyone with depression needs to be vigilant that their depression does not worsen when beginning to take Ambien CR. Contact a doctor immediately if this happens.