Drug Interaction Report

Asenapine Transdermal Patch and Zolpidem: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Asenapine Transdermal Patch and Zolpidem interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Jul 11, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Zolpidem

Ambien Edluar Zolpimist
+

Asenapine Transdermal Patch

Secuado Secuado®
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Jul 11, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 377 documented Asenapine Transdermal Patch interactions, 276 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

An increased risk of CNS depression, complex sleep behaviors and respiratory depression

Interaction Deep Dive

Coadministration of zolpidem with other CNS depressants increases the risk of respiratory and CNS depression (drowsiness, and psychomotor impairment, including impaired driving ability). Dosage adjustments of zolpidem and other concomitant CNS-depressants may be necessary when coadministered because of the potentially additive effects. The use of zolpidem with other sedative/hypnotics at bedtime or the middle of the night is not recommended. Use caution with concomitant use of CNS depressants, especially in patients with compromised respiratory function, sleep apnea, and myasthenia gravis1. Discontinue zolpidem immediately if a patient experiences a complex sleep behavior. Consider using another zolpidem tartrate immediate-release product for a lower zolpidem tartrate dose (5 mg) 2.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Additive CNS depression

Common questions

Can I take Asenapine Transdermal Patch and Zolpidem together?

An increased risk of CNS depression, complex sleep behaviors and respiratory depression Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Asenapine Transdermal Patch and Zolpidem interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Asenapine Transdermal Patch or Zolpidem need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (2)

  1. Product Information: AMBIEN(R) oral tablets, zolpidem tartrate oral tablets. sanofi-aventis US LLC (per FDA), Bridgewater, NJ, 2022. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: Zolpidem Tartrate oral capsules, zolpidem tartrate oral capsules. Almatica Pharma LLC(per FDA), Morristown, NJ, 2023. DailyMed
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Zolpidem

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All Zolpidem interactions (39)
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Asenapine Transdermal Patch

Keep reading about Asenapine Transdermal Patch

All Asenapine Transdermal Patch interactions (377) Asenapine Transdermal Patch drug information
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Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Zolpidem + 1,4-butanediol Activated Charcoal Beer Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (ghb) Grapefruit Kava L-tryptophan St. John's Wort + 187 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.