Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: zolpidem
BRAND NAME: Ambien, Zolpimist
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Zolpidem belongs to a
class
of drugs called sedatives or hypnotics. Zolpidem is closely related to a
family
of sedatives called benzodiazepines. These drugs cause sedation,
muscle relaxation,
act as anti-convulsants (anti-seizure), and
reduce
anxiety. Zolpidem has selectivity in that it has little of the
muscle relaxant and
anti-seizure effects and more of the sedative effect. Therefore,
it is used
as a medication for sleep. The oral
spray form of zolpidem, Zolpimist, has more rapid absorption than the tablet
form because it is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATION: Tablets, 5 and
10 mg. Oral
spray, 5mg/spray
STORAGE: Zolpidem should be stored at room temperature
in a
tight container.
PRESCRIBED FOR:
Zolpidem is used to treat
insomnia.
It has been shown to put patients to sleep more rapidly and keep
them asleep
longer. Sleeping medications generally are not prescribed for more than
10 days
and are usually taken intermittently as needed to avoid problems with
addiction
or habituation, loss of effectiveness, and rebound phenomena.
DOSING: Zolpidem tablets should be taken without food at bedtime
to induce
a rapid onset of sleep. Zolpidem is eliminated by the liver, and
doses need
to be decreased in patients with liver dysfunction (for example, hepatitis).
Lower doses should be used in the elderly because of
their decreased
ability to eliminate zolpidem from the body.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Alcohol
has an additive effect with zolpidem and the two should
not
be combined. Zolpidem should be used cautiously in patients with respiratory
diseases because
of its depressing effect on breathing. Zolpidem has
few drug
interactions with other medicines; however, caution should be
used
when combining it with other sedative drugs because of the
additive
effects. Zolpidem used at higher dosages can cause withdrawal
symptoms
(muscle cramps, sweats, shaking, and
seizures) when the drug is abruptly
discontinued. Zolpidem can cause abnormal behavior with confusion, paradoxical insomnia or "complex sleep-related behaviors," which
may
include sleep-driving (driving with no memory of
having done
so). If these side effects occur, zolpidem should
be discontinued.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of zolpidem
are
drowsiness, dizziness, and a "drugged" feeling, which
probably
reflect the action of the drug. Other side effects include
confusion, insomnia, euphoria, ataxia (balance problems), and visual
changes.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 4/23/2007
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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