Background
Zolpidem, also known by its trade name Ambien, is a sedative-hypnotic drug used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is a type of benzodiazepine receptor agonist which works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as benzodiazepines, but with a lower intensity. Zolpidem is effective for inducing and maintaining sleep, but due to its short-acting nature, it is recommended only for short-term use (1-2 weeks).
Clinical Uses
Zolpidem is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia, including difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and early-morning awakenings (2). It should not be used for more than 2 weeks, as tolerance may develop, leading to a lack of efficacy. In addition, its use may lead to dependence, so it should be used with caution in individuals with a history of substance use disorders (3).
Side Effects
Common side effects of zolpidem include dizziness, headache, and drowsiness (4). It may also cause a paradoxical reaction, in which the patient becomes wide awake and alert instead of feeling sleepy (5). Rarely, more serious side effects have been reported, such as anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and severe allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Zolpidem is a short-acting sedative-hypnotic drug used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is effective for inducing and maintaining sleep, but should only be used for short periods of time due to the potential for tolerance and dependence. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and drowsiness, and rare more serious side effects have been reported.
References
1. National Institutes of Health. (2020). Zolpidem. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547719/
2. Drugs.com. (2020). Ambien (Zolpidem): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/ambien.html
3. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2020). Insomnia. Retrieved from https://aasm.org/patients/sleep-disorders/insomnia/
4. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Drugs and Supplements Ambien (Oral Route). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ambien-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20069417
5. UpToDate. (2020). Clinical Manifestations and Treatment of Insomnia in Adults. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-and-treatment-of-insomnia-in-adults