Zolpidem
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Mental Health Drugs
- Tricyclic Antidepressants
- SSRIs
- SNRIs
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Typical Antipsychotics
- Atypical Antipsychotics
- Extrapyramidal Symptoms
- Lithium
- MAOIs
- Bupropion
- Trazodone
- Zolpidem
- Amphetamines
- Mirtazapine
- Buspirone
Summary
Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic drug that is used to treat insomnia. It is a short-term treatment, and should not be used for longer than 10 days. Zolpidem is a preferred treatment for insomnia over benzodiazepines because it does not have as high of a risk for dependence or abuse compared to the benzodiazepine drugs.
Key Points
- Mechanism
- Sedative-hypnotic
- Is considered a nonbenzodiazepine, but has a similar mechanism of action as benzodiazepines
- Binds to GABA receptors, enhancing GABA action
- Is considered a nonbenzodiazepine, but has a similar mechanism of action as benzodiazepines
- Clinical Use
- Insomnia (Sedative)
- Short-term treatment (less than 10 days)
- Can assist in helping fall asleep, but its short half life does not generally help to stay asleep
- Preferred treatment over barbiturates and benzodiazepines, as it has a much lower risk of dependency and abuse
- Rapid onset
- Should be taken immediately prior to sleep
- Do not drive after taking zolpidem
- Does not have other effects of benzodiazepines like antianxiety, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxing
- Insomnia (Sedative)
- Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
- Drowsiness, lethargy, hangover (residual sedation)
- Avoid other CNS depressants like alcohol, narcotics, and antipsychotics
- Headache
- Drowsiness, lethargy, hangover (residual sedation)
- Sedative-hypnotic