Free tool
Can I eat this with Zolpidem?
Alcohol and caffeine affect how zolpidem works, and some foods slow absorption or worsen side effects like nausea.
Also sold as Stilnoct, Zalzo. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 37 foods and drinks for Zolpidem (33 to avoid, 2 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Should I take Zolpidem with food?
- You can take zolpidem with or without food, but food may slow the effect.
- Can I drink alcohol with Zolpidem?
- No, avoid it. Do not drink alcohol with zolpidem - together they make you sleep very deeply so you cannot breathe properly.
- Can I drink coffee with Zolpidem?
- No, avoid it. Caffeine stops zolpidem working - avoid coffee while taking this medicine.
- Can I drink tea with Zolpidem?
- No, avoid it. Caffeine stops zolpidem working - avoid tea while taking this medicine.
- Can I drink cola with Zolpidem?
- No, avoid it. Caffeine stops zolpidem working - avoid cola while taking this medicine.
- Can I drink energy drinks with Zolpidem?
- No, avoid it. Caffeine stops zolpidem working - avoid energy drinks while taking this medicine.
Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
Alcohol and caffeine affect how zolpidem works, and some foods slow absorption or worsen side effects like nausea.
Do not drink alcohol with zolpidem as together they can make you sleep very deeply with breathing difficulty. Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks) as it stops zolpidem working. Taking it with or just after food slows the effect. Stick to simple meals if you feel sick.
Browse our medication food guides →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
When to take it: You can take zolpidem with or without food, but food may slow the effect.
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Foods to avoid with Zolpidem· 33
Take care with Zolpidem· 2
Fine with Zolpidem· 2
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on Zolpidem
The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words, checked 24 September 2026. How we check
NHS website
About zolpidem
NHS medicines information on zolpidem – what it's used for and key facts.
NHS website
Who can and cannot take zolpidem
NHS medicines information on who can take zolpidem and who may not be able to take it.
NHS website
How and when to take zolpidem
NHS medicines information on dosage for zolpidem, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.
NHS website
Side effects of zolpidem
NHS medicines information on side effects of zolpidem and what you can do to cope.
NHS website
Taking zolpidem with other medicines and herbal supplements
NHS medicines information on possible interactions with zolpidem and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.
The Journal
Read our medication food guides →
A full Zolpidem guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.
Food groups that matter with Zolpidem
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.