Zolpidem: characteristics and side effects

Zolpidem, also known as Stilnox, Nocte or Adormix, is used for specific sleep disorders such as insomnia. It is a fast-acting non-benzodiazepine hypnotic, which makes this drug a useful resource for patients who have problems falling asleep or for those who suffer from frequent awakenings.

Many of our readers may be familiar with this active ingredient included in the aforementioned trade names. Zolpidem is, without a doubt, one of the most prescribed medications for short-term insomniaits administration being limited to one or two days and a maximum of one month including the withdrawal of the drug itself.

It is also that chemical resource that the United States Air Force usually uses to facilitate the night’s rest of many pilots after a mission. It is effective, it is fast and it does not leave an excessive “hangover” of symptoms the next day.as can, for example, classic benzodiazepines such as lormetazepam.

Now, the fact that zolpidem is not a benzodiazepine as such and that it lacks muscle-relaxing effects does not mean that we are dealing with a harmless drug. We are before an active ingredient with a high addictive potential, if we use it for a long time. Let’s see more data below.

Zolpidem what is it for?

Zolpidem, as we have already indicated, is prescribed to treat insomnia in the short term.. Its mechanism of action is similar to that of benzodiazepines, it acts on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), but with the difference that molecularly, they are two different compounds and zolpidem, in addition, has no effect at the spinal level.

Likewise, it is interesting to know that This drug is one of those that most respects the architecture of sleep and its phases, both REM and non-REM. All of this undoubtedly makes it easier to maintain a deep and uninterrupted night’s rest. On the other hand, it should also be noted that zolpidem also It is usually prescribed in patients who suffer from restless legs syndrome. It is usually very effective, for example in elderly people, since it facilitates rest, reduces movement of the extremities without suffering too many side effects.

Zolpidem is part of what is known as Z drugssuch as zoplicone or zaleplon, all analogues of benzodiazepines and also used for the treatment of insomnia.

How should zolpidem be taken?

This drug, like any other, must be prescribed by a doctor.. It will be the specialists who assess whether or not to recommend taking this hypnotic, as well as the days in which this treatment will last. We pointed out at the beginning, we are dealing with a chemical resource that will improve the quality of sleep, but whose administration must last between two days and four weeks.

Its effect is rapid, so it is recommended that the person be prepared for a rest that will last between 7 and 8 hours in a row. Therefore, during this period we will not be able to drive or carry out any other activity that requires our attention. What’s more, if we wake up between 2 or 3 hours after taking the drug, we will have coordination difficulties, a low state of alertness, memory problems and high fatigue.

Zolpidem Side Effects

The so-called Z drugs are effective and zolpidem is one of the most prescribed. However, and this is important to remember, it has a high addictive potential as long as it is used frequently. Its tolerance is very high, it is metabolized very quickly in the liver and since it is also a sedative-hypnotic, we must carefully pay attention to what other drugs or substances we are taking so that they do not interact.

If zolpidem is consumed regularly, we may experience the following side effects:

Anterograde amnesia.Drowsiness.Visual hallucinations.Dry mouth. Coordination problems. Intestinal problems (diarrhea or constipation).Tremors in the extremities.Ringing in the ears. Joint pains. Heavy menstrual bleeding.Headache.Somnambulism.

Likewise, it is important to note that Older people are more sensitive to the effects of hypnoticsTherefore, it is necessary to follow the specialists’ instructions on its administration to the letter. If treatment with zolpidem is prolonged longer than recommended, the elderly are at greater risk of suffering falls and adverse cognitive effects.

The use of zolpidem also impairs our driving abilities. and also increases the risk of suffering traffic accidents. It is not a coincidence, most hypnotics reduce our ability to react and coordinate, therefore, and once again, let us remember not to exceed the scheduled days, which will never extend beyond 4 weeks.

To conclude, just note that this drug can interact with other medications, substances and even vitamin supplements, whether of natural origin or not. Let’s always follow the instructions of our doctors and we must also be attentive to possible unexpected side effects that we must immediately inform the specialists.

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