Sleep Aids and Hypnotics with the birth control pill
Many women of reproductive age take a combined or progestogen-only oral contraceptive while also using a chronic medication such as Sleep Aids and Hypnotics (Sleep Aids and Hypnotics). The combination is generally fine at 5mg, 10mg, 6.25mg CR, 12.5mg CR, 1mg, but a small number of medications can reduce contraceptive efficacy meaningfully and need either a backup method or a switch.
How Sleep Aids and Hypnotics can affect contraceptive efficacy
Combined and progestogen-only contraceptives are metabolised through CYP3A4. Strong CYP3A4 inducers (some antiepileptics, rifampicin, St John's Wort) lower contraceptive plasma levels and reduce efficacy. Whether Eszopiclone, Temazepam, Zolpidem acts on CYP3A4 determines whether Sleep Aids and Hypnotics affects contraception. Most agents in Sleep Aids and Hypnotics have no clinically meaningful effect on the pill at 5mg, 10mg, 6.25mg CR, 12.5mg CR, 1mg.
Practical guidance
According to the prescribing information for Eszopiclone, Temazepam, Zolpidem, women on hormonal contraception should review Sleep Aids and Hypnotics with the prescribing pharmacist or doctor. Where an interaction is documented, additional barrier contraception or switching to a non-oral method (IUD, implant) for the duration of Sleep Aids and Hypnotics therapy is the standard mitigation.
Frequently asked questions
Will Sleep Aids and Hypnotics make my pill less effective? ▾
Most Sleep Aids and Hypnotics medications at 5mg, 10mg, 6.25mg CR, 12.5mg CR, 1mg do not affect oral contraceptive efficacy. The exceptions are CYP3A4-inducing drugs and a small number of others. The prescribing information for Eszopiclone, Temazepam, Zolpidem states whether the interaction is meaningful.
Do I need a backup contraceptive on Sleep Aids and Hypnotics? ▾
Backup contraception is needed only when there is a documented interaction between Sleep Aids and Hypnotics and the contraceptive method. For most users at 5mg, 10mg, 6.25mg CR, 12.5mg CR, 1mg, no backup is required. The pharmacist confirms whether Eszopiclone, Temazepam, Zolpidem interacts with hormonal contraception.
Medications in Sleep Aids and Hypnotics
More on Sleep Aids and Hypnotics
- With alcoholSleep Aids and Hypnotics and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Sleep Aids and Hypnotics be taken with food?
- Side effectsSleep Aids and Hypnotics side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- For older adultsSleep Aids and Hypnotics after 60: doses and safety in older adults
- For womenSleep Aids and Hypnotics for women: indications and considerations
- For menSleep Aids and Hypnotics for men: indications and considerations
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.