Zolpidem Tartrate
Manufactured by: Searle
Avalible Since: 1994
What Zolpidem is:Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic of the imidazopyridine class.
How Zolpidem works:Zolpidem works by binding to specific GABA receptors in the brain to reduce brain function and promote sleep.Unlike benzodiazepines, Zolpidem does not bind to all GABA receptors which means that it does not have the anti-convulsant, anti-anxiety, or muscle relaxant properties.It works only as a sedative.
Chemically Zolpidem looks like:
GABA: Gamma-aminobutyric acid serves as an inhibitory neurotransmitter to block the transmission of an impulse from one cell to another in the central nervous system.
Cost:One 5mg tablet of Ambien costs about $4.70 (this is the online price of Ambien)
Forms:
5mg tablet
10mg tablet
Uses:Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia.It should only be used for 7-10 days at a time to reduce the likelihood of addiction unless the patient is under the supervision of a physician.
Other Information:Zolpidem has a half life of 2.5 hours.It works in 15-30 minutes and is most effective when a patient is able to sleep for 7-8 hours.
Symptoms of Overdose: excessive nervous system depression fromunconsciousness to light coma.
Short Term Use Side-Effects: (most common) dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, (less common) chest pain, fatigue, unusual dreams, memory loss, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, appetite loss, vomiting, runny nose.
Long Term Use Side Effects: (most common) drowsiness and feeling of being drugged, (common) headache, allergy symptoms, back pain, flu-like symptoms, sensitivity to light, depression, upset stomach, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle and joint pain, upper respiratory infection, sinus irritation, rash, sore throat, urinary infection, heart palpitations, and dry mouth.
Rare Side Effects: abnormal liver function, abnormal secretion of tears, decrease of white blood cells, acute kidney failure, aggression, circulatory failure, delusions, dementia, eye pain, facial swelling, sensitivity to light, sleepwalking, speech impairment, leg cramps.
Food Interactions: Zolpidem works best two hours after a meal
Drug Interactions:Do not take this drug with alcohol, it could decrease breathing rate and cause unconsciousness, coma, or death.Do not take this drug with any other drug that might slow the central nervous system such as another sedative, benzodiazepine, sleeping pills, MAO inhibitor, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, or antihistamines.Narcotics may increase the sedative effects of this drug.
Cautions:Sleep problems often result from underlying psychological or physical problems. Zolpidem does not effect these underlying illnesses.Zolpidem has caused amnesia when used in dosages over 10 mg a night.Suddenly stopping Zolpidem may cause drug withdrawal symptoms (fatigue, nausea, flushing, light-headedness, crying, vomiting, stomach cramps, panic, nervousness, and general discomfort).People with a history of substance abuse are likely to become dependent on Zolpidem.People with liver disease require reduced dosage.People with kidney disease should be monitored for side effects.Zolpidem should be avoided in the presence of severe depression, severe lung disease, sleep apnea, and drunkenness or you run the risk of increasing the depressive side effects of Zolpidem or worsening your overall condition.
Use During Pregnancy:No research has been done on the effects of Zolpidem during pregnancy.In pregnant animals large dosages of Zolpidem slowed the development of the offspring.
Breast-Feeding:Zolpidem passes to babies through breast milk but is not known to cause any problems.
Children:No research has been done concerning the effects of Zolpidem on people under the age of 18.People under 18 should not take Zolpidem.
Seniors:People over the age of 60 are more likely to experience the side effects of Zolpidem and should take low dosages and be monitored by a physician.
Insomnia:Insomnia is characterized by the inability to fall asleep, waking up several times during the night, and/or, waking up too early.